western massachusetts hospital · 11/29/2017 · steam boilers. each boiler is cleaver brooks...
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WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS HOSPITAL Mechanical Systems Upgrades Project Number DPH 1605 HS1 November 29, 2017
Prepared for: Division of Capital Asset Management Office of Planning, Design and Construction
SECTION 1 Acknowledgements
SECTION 2 Preface
SECTION 3 Executive Summary
SECTION 4 Introduction
SECTION 5 Existing Conditions
SECTION 6 Accessibility
SECTION 7 Codes & Regulations
SECTION 8 Recommendations
SECTION 9 Alternative Project Considerations
SECTION 10 Implementation Plan & Phasing
SECTION 11 Proposed Schedule of Work & Project Cost
SECTION 12 Appendices
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION 1: Acknowledgements
Western Massachusetts Hospital – Mechanical System Upgrades Westfield, Massachusetts
Project No. DPH 1605 HS1 Page 1 Job No. 20160284
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
DIVISION OF CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT
Carol Gladstone, Commissioner
Elizabeth Minnis, Deputy Commissioner, OPDC
Shirin Karanfiloglu, Director of Programming
Bob Barry, Director of Construction
Robin Luna, Acting Deputy Director of Programming
Zaida Roshandel, Deputy Director for Construction
Rosalyn Elder, Project Manager for Programming
Frank Clare, Project Manager for Construction
Emmanuel Andrade, Project Manager for Accessibility, OPDC
Tom Tagan, Office of Facilities Management
Edward Ransom, Project Manager, Energy Team
Robert Anderson, Project Engineer
WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS HOSPITAL
Valenda Liptak, Chief Executive Officer
Anthony DiStefano, Chief Operating Officer
Brian Sallisky, Director of Facilities Management/Safety Officer
Alan Roberts, Maintenance Supervisor
Pamela Couchon, Administrative Secretary, Facilities Division
RDK ENGINEERS
Joseph Bonanno, Principal
Adam Leonard, P.E., Sr. Associate
Ian Robinson, P.E., Energy Engineer
Patrick Costello, Mechanical Engineer
CGKV ARCHITECTS
Jason Knutson, AIA, Principal
Ernie Vazquez, AIA, Principal
BRYANT ASSOCIATES
Mike Lebeau, Structural Engineer
Georgia Tentas, Structural Engineer
VJ ASSOCIATES
Clive Tysoe, Divisional Director
Jeff Harding, MEP Cost Estimator
Western Massachusetts Hospital – Mechanical System Upgrades Westfield, Massachusetts
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YEE CONSULTING GROUP
Chuck Albiani, Sr. Environmental Consultant
SECTION 2: Preface
Western Massachusetts Hospital – Mechanical System Upgrades Westfield, Massachusetts
Project No. DPH 1605 HS1 Page 1 Job No. 20160284
PREFACE
This study was prepared for the Office of Planning Design and Construction of the Division of Capital Asset
Management, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 29,
Sections 7K and 26A. It is intended to investigate agency capital needs, evaluate alternatives, and recommend a
solution that corresponds to the current needs of that agency, in conformance with its current long term capital
facilities development plan.
The study provides a clear and detailed frame of reference for the design and implementation process and
recommends a solution that can be accomplished within the appropriation or authorization for that project. It
includes an equipment layout which reflects the user agency’s needs, a description of the project requirements, an
accurate estimate of capital and operating costs, and an implementation schedule. Conceptual mechanical designs
included are not intended to constrain the final design, but rather to illustrate functional relationships, demonstrate
the practical operation of design criteria and conformance with applicable codes and standards, and serve as the
basis for developing an accurate cost estimate.
Before DCAM can enter into a contract for final design services, this study must be certified by the head of the User
Agency, and by the Director of Programming and the Commissioner of DCAM. Thereafter no substantial changes
can be made to the program during the implementation process.
SECTION 3: Executive Summary
Western Massachusetts Hospital – Mechanical System Upgrades Westfield, Massachusetts
Project No. DPH 1605 HS1 Page 1 Job No. 20160284
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This study was initiated to undertake a thorough evaluation of the mechanical systems of the Western Massachusetts
Hospital located in Westfield, MA in order to make an independent assessment of whether the hospital is a candidate for a
system-wide upgrade of the mechanical infrastructure or whether component repairs are a viable option. The existing 2-pipe
steam feeds an assortment of terminal units (radiators and fan coil units, etc.) and it receives outside make-up air through
operable windows, doors and infiltration. Ventilation is accomplished by the exhaust fans which pull air through the building
and exhaust it without any heat recovery. There is no central ventilation system to provide make-up air to the system and
there is no central temperature control system. There is no central air conditioning but terminal units are provided in patient
rooms and selected administrative spaces.
The results of this study conclude that the Division of Capital Asset Management should consider a complete mechanical
infrastructure upgrade to this facility. A new mechanical system will provide significant enhancements to the patient
experience by maintaining a comfortable environment that satisfies code minimum and Massachusetts Department of Public
Health and Facility Guideline chronic care requirements.
Existing mechanical systems are aged, with many major components approaching 30 years of service, if not longer. Current
systems lack central cooling, are not easily controlled and provide no means of mechanical ventilation or filtration. These
deficiencies not only result in varying degrees of patient comfort throughout the facility, they’re also not capable of providing
an environment that meets present day healthcare minimum code and engineering design standards.
Multiple mechanical system upgrade/replacement solutions were evaluated based on many different factors including
feasibility of installation, maintainability, sustainability, energy use, construction phasing and cost of investment. Following
the conclusion of the Global Workshop conducted on October 4th, 2016, the recommended mechanical system is 4-pipe fan
coil units, air cooled chiller plant, high efficiency condensing boilers, and energy recovery style rooftop air handling units. The
largest factors in recommending this particular system option is due to both first cost and the flexibility of 4-pipe fan coil units
to cope with future renovations and existing envelope limitations.
In order to support the recommended baseline case, additional facility upgrades are required including an increase in utility
normal power capacity and associated normal power distribution systems, additional emergency power infrastructure
consisting of a new 350kW emergency generator, new ceilings and sprinkler system modifications. Additional facility
improvement projects recommended consist of a complete roof replacement, kitchen exhaust and make-up air system
upgrade, complete facility lighting upgrade and a number of ADA improvements. Also considered was a complete facility
window replacement which was ultimately omitted from project upgrades; window replacement is desired pending availability
of funding, and shall be considered an add-alternate in the design.
The implementation and phasing of this project will require close coordination to minimize the impact and displacement of
the sensitive patient population. Planning and design for swing space will be paramount to the project success;
displacement of the patient population to other campus buildings, or to other chronic care facilities will not be considered.
Estimate Construction Cost: $20,300,000.00
Schedule: 44 Weeks for Design Documents
12 Weeks for Bidding and Award
104 Weeks for Construction
SECTION 4: Introduction
Western Massachusetts Hospital – Mechanical System Upgrades Westfield, Massachusetts
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INTRODUCTION
Western Massachusetts Hospital is a 93,000 square foot, four story, one hundred two (102) bed inpatient chronic-
care facility located in Westfield, MA. Acute care services such as surgical procedures and emergency room care are
not provided at this facility. Based on a third party system assessment performed in 2012, it was determined that the
age, condition and code deficiencies of the mechanical systems supporting the Main Hospital warranted it a
candidate for system replacement rather than system repair.
Existing heating systems serving the Main Hospital consist of a low pressure steam boiler plant with 2-pipe steam
distribution to several terminal units (radiators, unit heaters, etc). There is no central ventilation or central cooling
system in the facility. Ventilation is currently provided via natural means, i.e. via operable windows and doors and
through envelope infiltration. Space cooling is provided via approximately one hundred thirty-five (135) terminal
window type air conditioning units and sixteen (16) direct expansion split systems (both ducted and ductless
applications). Approximately nineteen (19) dedicated exhaust systems are in place serving varying facility exhaust
requirements.
The objective of this study is to provide the Department of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance with the
knowledge that is needed to make informed decisions regarding potential upgrades and/or replacement of the
mechanical systems serving Western Massachusetts’s Main Hospital building. RDK Engineers Inc. provided a
thorough evaluation of the existing mechanical systems serving the Main Hospital building in order to make an
independent assessment of whether the Hospital is a candidate for a system-wide mechanical infrastructure upgrade
or whether individual component repairs are a viable option. Included in this study are an existing conditions
assessment, code analysis, system recommendations and the associated construction costs, life cycle cost analysis,
schedule and phasing plan.
SECTION 5: Existing Conditions
Western Massachusetts Hospital – Mechanical System Upgrades Westfield, Massachusetts
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EXISTING CONDITIONS ASSESSMENT
MECHANICAL SYSTEMS
PRIMARY HEATING
All primary heating for the hospital is provided from the boiler plant; an addition to the north end of the original 1935
facility, which was constructed in 1987. The primary heating equipment consists of two (2) identical low pressure
steam boilers. Each boiler is Cleaver Brooks model CB, 900-150 fire tube style rated for 20,920 lb/hr of low pressure
(currently operating at 15 psig) steam service. More conventionally, these boilers can generate 150 BHP or 5,021
MBH of heating capacity. The boilers were installed during the 1987 boiler plant addition and are fitted with dual fuel
(no. 2 fuel oil and natural gas) forced draft burners, which are also originally installed with the boilers. Burner blowers
include a forced draft fan, fed with 208V/3PH electric service. Boiler controls are fed with 120V/1PH power.
Photo 1: CB Boiler #1 Photo 2: CB Boiler #2
The boilers are 29 years old and have a typical average life span of approximately 25 years. The equipment is
operating at or beyond expected service life with no operational issues reported via the facility staff. The boilers are
currently sized for complete redundancy (N+1) where any single failure would not result in the loss of steam
production and/or facility heating needs. Boilers are currently operated in a lead/lag arrangement (i.e. the second low
pressure steam boiler is on-line and available for use if the primary boiler fails) and rotated for equal run time. It
should be noted that operating this equipment beyond the average life expectancy may result in increased failures
and unscheduled repairs.
Supplemental steam is provided by three (3) identical medium pressure steam boilers. These boilers were originally
intended to support process steam loads, but have been modified to operate at low pressure. Since conversion to low
pressure steam boilers, the three process boiler’s steam piping distribution has been combined with the primary
boilers described above. Each boiler is a Hurst model C1-GO-10 fire tube style rated for 1,258 lb/hr of low pressure
steam. More conventionally, these boilers can generate approximately 9 BHP or 302 MBH of heating capacity. The
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facility reports that these boilers have not been utilized for an extended period of time, as the Cleaver Brooks 150 HP
boilers satisfy all heating loads serving the facility (including process loads such as the kitchen kettles and
dishwasher). The boilers were installed in 2004 and fitted with dual fuel (no. 2 fuel oil and natural gas) forced draft
burners, which were also originally installed with the boilers. Burner blowers include a forced draft fan, fed with
208V/3PH electric service. Boiler controls are fed with 120V/1PH power.
Photo 3: Hurst Boilers #5 & #6 Photo 4: Hurst Boiler #6
The Hurst boilers are 12 years old and in good condition with typical average life span of approximately 25 years. As
the capacity of the process boilers is now superfluous to the Cleaver Brooks boilers described above, it has been
reported that the process boilers are not needed during peak winter design conditions, nor currently operated. The
three (3) process boilers are adequate for continued support of facility process heating loads only.
There are two sets of boiler breeching and stack systems; one set serving boilers 1 and 2, and a separate set serving
boilers 4, 5 and 6. Boiler breeching and stack systems are constructed of double-wall stainless steel duct routed
horizontally from the top of each boiler flue outlet connection to chimney, where the round duct transitions to a square
stack in support of boilers 1 and 2, or 24”x18” rectangular stack in support of boilers 4, 5 and 6. The chimney is
located at the southernmost portion of the boiler plant addition, where it extends vertically 4 stories to roof of the main
hospital.
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Photo 5: Hurst Boiler Breeching Photo 6: CB Boiler Breeching
Boiler breeching and stack systems are adequate in design, and in good physical condition as observed within the
boiler plant. The chimney cone at the top of stack discharge is showing signs of significant corrosion, resulting in very
little material remaining. The internal condition of the boiler breeching and stack systems was not able to be
observed. In general, these systems have life spans typical to that of the associated boilers and assumed to be
approaching the end of their service life expectancy.
Steam condensate from the hospital is returned to the boiler plant via a pumped condensate line to boiler feed pump
receivers from two (2) duplex steam condensate receivers located in the existing hospital mechanical room. The
existing hospital mechanical room floor sits level with the hospital crawl space, where condensate from the hospital’s
heating systems is gravity drained to the two condensate receivers described above. Condensate receiver ‘one’ is a
duplex condensate pump consisting of two (2) 1/3 HP motors. This condensate receiver was installed in 1987 during
the boiler plant addition project. Condensate receiver ‘two’ is also a duplex condensate pumps consisting of two (2) X
HP motors. Condensate receiver ‘two’ was installed in XXX. The two condensate receiver assemblies transfer steam
condensate from the existing mechanical room to feed water tanks located within the boiler plant. The feed water tank
serving boiler 1 and 2 is a Feedmiser with triplex transfer pump-set consisting of three (3) 1 HP pumps (one for
redundancy). The feed water tank serving boiler 3, 4 and 5 is a Dunham Bush AWL CHD 1020 with quadraplex
transfer pump-set consisting of four (4) 3/4 HP pumps.
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Photo 7: CB Boilers Feedwater Tank Photo 8: Hurst Boilers Feedwater Tank
Photo 9: Condenate Reciver ‘One’ Photo 10: Condenate Reciver ‘Two’
Duplex condensate pump receiver ‘one’, the triplex transfer pump-set and feed water tank and the quadraplex
transfer pump-set and feed water tank are all 29 years old and have a typical average life span of 15 years. It is
evident that these units have surpassed their useful service life expectancy, as numerous pumps, motors and
miscellaneous components are no longer original. Duplex condensate pump receiver ‘two’ is XX years old and has a
typical average life span of 15 years. The equipment is operating past its expected service life with no operational
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issues reported via facility staff. It should be noted that continued operation beyond their average life expectancy may
result in increased failures and unscheduled repairs.
As identified above, all aforementioned boilers are furnished with dual fuel (no. 2 fuel oil and natural gas) forced draft
burners. Number 2 fuel oil is stored in a single wall 20,000 gallon below grade tank located just east of the boiler
plant. Fuel oil is piped from the tanks to a no. 2 fuel oil pump set located within the mechanical room. The pump set
consists of a control panel, piping, valves and two (2) Viking model SG0519G00 pumps, each equipped with a 1 1/2
HP motor. From there, fuel oil is piped to each boiler. Natural gas is piped to each boiler from the house distribution
system. The gas service is supplied by the local utility company. Natural gas is the primary fuel source and no. 2 fuel
oil is the secondary fuel source
Photo 11: No. 2 Fuel Oil Pump Set Photo 12: Typical Fuel Oil Pump Nameplate
The no. 2 fuel oil pumps are 29 years old and have a typical average life span of approximately 20 years. The
equipment is operating beyond its expected service life with no operational issues reported via the facility staff. The
pumps and associated piping show signs of corrosion and fuel oil leaks. Continued use of these pumps may result in
increased failures and unscheduled repairs. The boiler pilots are currently fed via utility provided natural gas;
consequently, boilers may not fire upon disruption of natural gas fuel source, despite having dual fuel burners.
PRIMARY COOLING AND AIR DISTRIBUTION
Centralized ventilation and primary cooling does not currently exist within the facility. Ventilation is only available via
natural means, i.e. through operable windows and/or doors, and via air infiltration. All cooling for the building is
provided via approximately one hundred thirty-five (135) packaged window air conditioning units and approximately
sixteen (16) direct expansion (DX) split system air conditioning units. Window AC units serve perimeter
administration, perimeter patient sleeping rooms and various perimeter support spaces. The split system AC units
serve the following spaces and consist of both ductless and ducted systems:
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PACKAGED SPLIT DX AC AREAS SERVED QUANTITY DUCTED OR DUCTLESS
Basement Conference Room One (1) Ducted
Basement Conference Center Two (2) Ductless
Basement Cafeteria Two (2) Ducted
Basement IT/Data Room One (1) Ductless
Basement Maintenance Office One (1) Ductless
Main Entrance One (1) Ducted
2nd Floor Patient Activities One (1) Ducted
2nd Floor South Patient Wing Six (6) Ducted
3rd Floor Operating/Sterile Processing Suite One (1) Ducted
Photo 13: Split Sytem-Typical Ducted Indoor Unit Photo 14: Split Sytem-Typical Ductless Indoor Unit
Photo 15: Typical Window AC Unit Photo 16: Typical Window AC Unit
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All units vary in capacity, condition and age and average approximately 10 years (for window air conditioners) and 15
years (for packaged split DX air conditioning units) of service life expectancy. Many of the existing packaged air
conditioners are operating toward the end or beyond their service life expectancy where increased maintenance and
unforeseen failures may occur more frequently. Facility staff reports that window AC units are replaced in kind upon
failure via “off the shelf” air conditioning units. The packaged split DX systems lack ventilation, heating capability and
airflow required to support current healthcare design guidelines and minimum code requirements. Window air
conditioning units are not appropriate for healthcare applications as they lack the appropriate minimum filtration as
defined by ASHRAE 170. For the ducted systems identified above, supply and return ductwork was generally observed
to be in fair condition, depending upon the age of installation.
STEAM DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS, DOMESTIC HOT WATER AND HUMIDIFICATION
Low pressure steam (LPS) is generated by the low pressure system described in detail above and distributed to the
main hospital building via 10” LPS header, which is appropriately sized for operation of a single boiler at maximum
fire. An 8” LPS main carries steam to adjacent original mechanical room where it is diverted to two semi-
instantaneous steam to hot water domestic water heaters and 6” LPS steam line serving the facilities heating
equipment. Low pressure steam piping is routed throughout the crawlspace, which encompasses the entire footprint
of the existing original hospital. From there, individual LPS and associated low pressure condensate (LPC) branch
piping extends vertically to feed steam radiators, finned tube radiators and steam fired cabinet unit heaters providing
heating for the entire facility. Low pressure steam and condensate piping systems are generally original 1935
construction, showing significant signs of corrosion via leaking throughout the crawlspace. Facility staff reports that
many steam accessories have been replaced and sections of corroded piping is constantly requiring either temporary
patching or sectional replacement. This was confirmed via visual inspection and obvious damage to the pipe
insulation. The steam radiators are of original construction and appear to be in fair operable condition. Steam finned
tube radiators are located where steam radiators have been replaced, and appear to be in good condition (age
unknown). Cabinet unit heaters are located in the service elevator lobby at every floor. Inspection inside these units
was not able to be performed, but it was reported by facility staff that existing elevator lobby cabinet unit heaters are
steam heating only.
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Photo 17: Typical Steam Radiator Photo 18: Typical Finned Tube Radiators
Domestic hot water (DHW) is generated via two (2) redundant semi-instantaneous steam to hot water heaters, each
rated for 37 GPM. The DWHs were installed in 2003 at which time the original low pressure steam-fired, copper water
heaters were disconnected from LPS service and abandoned in existing mechanical room. The semi-instantaneous
steam fired domestic hot water heaters are in good condition and operating within their 20 year expected service life.
High temperature hot water (160 degrees) is generated via a gas fired 75 gallon WH, rated for 125 MBH input. This
WH was installed in 2014 and is operating well within its 15 year expected service life. The high temperature WH is
dedicated for the Hospital’s laundry services. No operational problems or issues have been reported by facility staff
for any DHW equipment. The high temperature hot water heater does not have redundancy.
Photo 19: High Temperature DWH Photo 20: (2) Semi-Instantaneous Steam DWHs
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The facility does not have global or local humidification systems.
EXHAUST AND MAKE-UP AIR SYSTEMS
The facility has a number of exhaust fans varying in location, configuration and application. The fans provide exhaust
air services to toilet, janitor closets, soiled work rooms, crawlspace, storage areas and various kitchen applications.
The following table details the specifications, location, condition and application for each of the exhaust fans serving
the facility.
TAG AREA SERVED AIRFLOW | SP CFM | in. wc.
TYPE CONDITION
EF-1 Basement, 1st, 2nd & 3rd floor toilet rooms
900 @ 0.75 Down Blast Good
EF-2 1st, 2nd & 3rd floor toilet rooms
580 @ 0.5 Down Blast Good
EF-3 1st, 2nd & 3rd floor toilet rooms
715 @ 0.5 Down Blast Good
EF-4 1st, 2nd & 3rd floor toilet rooms
1,320 @ 0.5 Down Blast Good
EF-5 1st, 2nd & 3rd floor kitchenettes
825 @ 0.5 Down Blast Good
EF-6 Basement & 1st floor toilet rooms
1,405 @ 0.75 Down Blast Good
EF-7 Basement, 1st, 2nd & 3rd floor toilet rooms
3,600 @ 1.0 Down Blast Good
EF-8 3rd floor toilet room 150 @ 0.35 Down Blast Good
TAG AREA SERVED AIRFLOW | SP CFM | in. wc.
TYPE CONDITION
EF-9 1st, 2nd, 3rd floor soiled utility.
1,500 @1.0 Down Blast Good
1800 Kitchen Unknown Utility Set – Side Discharge
Poor
1801 1st, 2nd & 3rd floor utility rooms, Basement and 1st floor toilet rooms
Unknown Utility Set – Side Discharge
Poor
1802 CSR & Basement general exhaust
Unknown Utility Set – Side Discharge
Poor
None Kitchen Grease Exhaust
Unknown Utility Set – Up Blast Excellent
DWEF Dishwasher Unknown Up Blast – Sidewall Fair
None Kitchen Unknown Propeller Poor
None Kitchen Unknown Propeller Poor
None Original Mechanical Rm Unknown Propeller Poor
None Crawlspace Unknown Propeller Poor
None Maintenance Shop (Old Projector Room)
1,000 CFM Utility Set – Side Discharge
Poor
The kitchen is served by numerous exhaust systems, as identified above. Kitchen exhaust includes type I hood
grease exhaust, type II hood kitchen exhaust, dishwasher exhaust and two (2) propeller fans. The fans associated
with these systems are of varying capacity, usage, age and condition (refer to the table above and equipment
assessment sheets for additional information). Make-up air is provided to offset the exhaust in the kitchen via a
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dedicated make-up air handling unit. The unit is furnished with natural gas heat, supply fan and 2” washable
aluminum filters. Control of the gas heat exchanger is via discharge air temperature. The make-up air unit
performance was selected at 6,000 CFM @ 0.25” W.C. E.S.P.
Photo 21: Kitchen Prop Fan-1 Photo 22: Kitchen Prop Fan-2
Photo 23: Kitchen Grease Exhaust Fan Photo 24: Kitchen MUA Unit
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Photo 25: Kitchen Type II Hood Fan (1800) Photo 26: Newer ABB VFD for Fan 1800
TYPE I GREASE EXHAUST: The grease exhaust fan is 5 years old and in excellent condition with a typical life span
of approximately 20 years. The fan currently operates at constant volume; it is not controlled via temperature or hood
optic sensors and does not interface with make-up unit described above. Grease exhaust ductwork is pre-
manufactured by CaptiveAire, double wall stainless steel with zero clearance to combustibles and appropriately rated
for type-I exhaust with code required clean-outs.
TYPE II KITCHEN EXHAUST: The type II hood exhaust fan is an original construction fan approximately 81 years
old. A newer motor powered via an ABB VFD has been retrofitted to support original type II exhaust fan reportedly to
help reduce overly negative pressure within the kitchen areas. With a typical service life of approximately 20 years,
continued operation may result in increased failures and unscheduled repairs. As the type II hood exhaust fan also
served the grease hood prior to the new grease exhaust fan installation in 2011, it is reasonable to assume that the
ductwork associated with this fan is in poor condition; the ductwork may be original to the 1935 installation, thus
operating significantly beyond expected service life (visual observation both external and internal was not able to be
performed as type-II exhaust ductwork is concealed).
MISCELLANEOUS KITCHEN EXHAUST: The dishwasher exhaust fan is a sidewall, upblast style exhaust fan
operating within its useful service life expectancy and is in fair condition. Fan discharge location is poor, near
operable windows and discharges into vegetation growth. The propeller fans provide general exhaust to the kitchen
and associated support spaces. The two (2) propeller fans are 80 years old and in poor condition with a typical life
span of approximate 20 years.
KITCHEN MAKE-UP AIR: The kitchen make-up air unit is 5 years old and in good condition with a typical life span of
approximately 20 years. It was reported by the facility that the amount of make-up air provided by the unit is
insufficient for the amount of air being exhausted from the kitchen. It is understood that the kitchen and dining room
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are negatively pressurized to the extent that it is difficult to operate doors to adjacent spaces, as witnessed during
initial site visit. The kitchen make-up air system does not have cooling, and it was reported that kitchen staff are often
uncomfortable during the summer months. The make-up air unit lacks sufficient capacity and cooling for continued
support of kitchen ventilation requirements.
Mechanical Room make-up air is provided via ceiling suspended heating and ventilating air handing unit. The
performance for this unit was selected at 3,500 CFM @ 1.0” W.C. E.S.P. Unit is equipped with 1 HP supply fan and
steam heating coil with integral face and bypass damper. Supply air is ducted from the unit to three (3) sidewall
double deflection registers. The steam supply to the unit is disconnected and capped, creating a “dead leg” of steam
piping.
Photo 27: Mech Rm Make-up Air Unit Photo 28: Steam Disconected from MUA Unit
The make-up air unit is 28 years old and in poor condition with a typical life span of approximately 25 years. As
mentioned above, the steam supply line is disconnected from the heating coil. This is likely due to a heating coil leak.
Other than the disconnected steam line, there were no operational issues reported via the facility staff. Without a
heating coil, year round operation of this unit may not be feasible. It should be noted that operating this equipment
beyond the average life expectancy may result in increased failures and unscheduled repairs.
As part of the boiler room construction in 1987, high and low combustion air louvers and associated dampers were
provided at the exterior wall of the mechanical room. Dampers are multi-blade parallel type. Control of dampers is
manual; there is no automation or interlock between boilers and dampers. Damper blades do not appear to be
insulated, nor is the exposed housing of the dampers within the space. Louvers are furnished with bird screen, but do
not include any level of filtration.
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Photo 29: High/Low Combustion Air Openings
ELEVATOR HOISTWAYS AND MACHINE ROOMS
The existing facility is equipped with three (3) elevators. The North Elevator and South Elevator are passenger
elevators and the East Elevator is a freight elevator. The North and South elevators have machine rooms above each
respective hoistway while the East elevator has a machine room on the basement level adjacent to the hoistway. The
North and South elevator machine rooms are cooled by window type air conditioning units and have no mechanical
heating. Elevator machine room ventilation is via natural ventilation, i.e. outdoor air is passively obtained via louvered
openings in the penthouse machine room exterior wall. Ventilation for the hoistway is provided via floor opening
between elevator machine room and hoistway. In both penthouse machine rooms, the opening from the machine
room to outdoors is permanently blanked off. The East elevator machine room is heated by an electric baseboard
heater and has no cooling. In the basement machine room, the machine room is vented via one square foot opening
to the hoistway, and the hoistway is vented to the roof via gooseneck ductwork.
Photo 30: E. Elevator Machine Rm Vent Photo 31: East Elevator Hoistway Vent
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Photo 32: N. Elevator Hoistway Vent & Photo 33: S. Elevator Hoistway Vent &
Blocked Machine Room Vent Blocked Machine Room Vent
The North and South Elevators passive ventilation is inadequate to support continued service, as the openings
between the machine room and outdoors are permanently blanked off. In addition, the HVAC systems in all three (3)
machine rooms are insufficient for maintaining the code requied 50°F and 90°F space temperature. The North and
South Elevator Machine Rooms are equipped with cooling only, therefore there is no guarantee that the minimum
temperature will be maintained during the winter months. The East Elevator machine room is equipped with heating
only, therefore there is no guarantee that the maximum temperature will be maintained during the summer months.
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AIRBORNE INFECTION ISOLATION (AII) ROOMS
The existing facility has three (3) rooms that are utilized for airborne infection isolation (Aii). The heating and cooling
for these spaces are the same as other patient rooms. These spaces are furnished with a system that allows the air
to be HEPA filtered and the room to be maintained at a negative pressure. Essentially, room air is drawn into an
Abatement Technologies HC800C unit which filters the air through a carbon filter and a HEPA filter. Post filtration, a
portion of the air is ducted outside and the remainder of the air is directed through a UV300C-PT germicidal ultraviolet
pass through and returned to the space. Although these rooms are capable of being maintained at a negative
pressure, the pressurization is not quantifiable.
Photo 34: Typical Aii Room Photo 35: Typical Aii Room Ceiling Lay-out
The Aii isolation room systems appear to be in good condition with no reported deficiencies. These systems are
inadequate for continued use for several reason. Minimum ventilation requirements are not satisfied and the
termination location of the air that is being exhausted is not in compliance with the pertinent code
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ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS
NORMAL POWER SYSTEMS
The existing facility service is 2,500 amp at 208Y/120V. The condition assessment and possible upgrade of the
service is the subject of a separate study and is not included in this capacity assessment.
Based upon utility metering data from 2011 to 2013, the maximum demand on the existing service is 321 kW.
Assuming a worst case power factor of 0.8, maximum demand is 401kVA or 1,113 amps. NEC Article 220 allows
addition of load to existing with the maximum demand verified by one year of metering data at 125%. 2,500A – (1,113
x 1.25) = 1,100A available. The existing GE switchboard has a Powerbreak main circuit breaker assumed to be 100%
rated.
The majority of branch circuit panels are installed flush mounted in corridor walls throughout the facility.
EMERGENCY POWER SYSTEMS
The existing facility emergency system is comprised of a relatively new Russelectric 208Y/120V generator paralleling
switchgear with (2) 350/437.5 kW/kVA diesel generators. The existing load based upon monthly run data (assumes
each ATS on Emergency) is 224kVA which is approximately 65% of a single engine capacity. The system was
installed with space for an additional generator input section for a full capacity of approximately 900kVA at 2,500
amps retaining N+1 redundancy (engine/generator only). There are space only accommodations for the addition of
(3) 800A frame power circuit breakers.
The paralleling switchgear provides essential power to the hospital via three (3) automatic transfer switches (ATS)
separated into three branches; life safety, critical and equipment. Each of the installed automatic transfer switches
have bypass isolation for repair and maintenance with ability to power the load manually via either the normal or
emergency source.
ATS #1: 600A, 208Y/120V Russelectric RTS-03 series. Life safety branch transfer switch serving 600A life
safety switchboard.
ATS #2: 800A, 208Y/120V Russelectric RTS-03 series. Critical branch transfer switch serving 800A critical
switchboard.
ATS #3: 600A, 208Y/120V Russelectric RTS-03 series. Equipment branch transfer switch serving 600A
equipment switchboard.
Life safety and critical branch circuit panels are primarily installed flush mounted in corridor walls throughout the
facility. The only equipment branch circuit panels in the facility are located in a closet within the essential power
electric room, and serve mechanical plant equipment.
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LIGHTING SYSTEMS
Existing lighting throughout the hospital consists largely of fluorescent fixtures controlled via line voltage on/off
switches. Fixtures vary in type and consist of recessed 2x2 and 2x4 lensed devices, surface mounted 1x4 style
fixtures and recessed downlights. While it appears some of the fluorescent fixtures are of the more efficient T8
technology, many of the non-renovated portions of the facility and “back of house” areas contain older, inefficient
surface mounted fixtures. In general, the color temperature throughout patient care spaces appears to be 3500K.
LOW VOLTAGE SYSTEMS
Other low voltage systems consist of fire alarm, nurse call, security and tel/data systems. These systems are not
anticipated to be significant impacted by the mechanical system upgrades and have not been reviewed for condition
and adequacy.
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STRUCTURAL SYSTEMS
The original facility was built from drawings dated October 1935. The building has four levels above grade with
mechanical and elevator penthouse on the roof level. The footprint resembles two “T” shaped wings stemming from a
central core. The rectangular outline is about 270’ long x 176’ wide x 50’ high. The total area is approximately 90,000
square feet, 22,150 per upper floor. The highest occupied level is approximately 40’ above grade.
The structure consists of one level completely below grade (Crawl Space Level – EL 199’-9”), one level partially below
grade (Basement Level – EL 206’-9”), three full levels completely above grade (1st Floor – EL 218’-9”, 2nd Floor – EL
228’-9”, and 3rd Floor – EL 238’-9”), the roof slab is at EL 252’-9” with a partial level at the penthouse. Approximate
existing grade varies from the front (high) of the building to the rear (low) of the building.
An incomplete set of structural drawings was provided for review. The interior columns are composed of a structural
steel frame protected by reinforced concrete and masonry. The structure also comprises exterior masonry bearing
walls, beams of structural steel frame protected by reinforced concrete, and reinforced concrete decks. The concrete
basement walls are shown to be typically 16-inch concrete walls. Columns are typically shown to bear on 16 to 20 -
inch thick by 4 to 5 - foot square reinforced concrete footings.
The structure and partition materials are non-combustible and the facades are composed of brick and cast stone.
Subsequent major additions have been for a heating plant, emergency generators and an elevator.
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ARCHITECTURAL
Western MA Hospital is a chronic-care facility in Westfield, Massachusetts and presently consists of five principal
buildings. The current project focuses on upgrading the mechanical system in the main hospital building, located at
91 E. Mountain Road.
The main hospital building was constructed ca. 1935. It is approximately 93,000 square feet in area over four main
floor levels (basement, first floor, second floor, third floor) plus below grade crawl space. Mechanical and elevator
penthouse structures are located on the roof. The building appears to be constructed with load bearing solid
masonry perimeter walls and interior structural steel framing. Floor and roof slabs are reinforced concrete.
SECTION 6: Accessibility
Accessibility Analysis – Western MA Hospital for DHS1605-HS1 – Mechanical and Energy Improvements project The Western MA Hospital, as a long term and specialty care hospital owned and operated by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, must comply with state and federal accessibility and non-discrimination laws relative to persons with disabilities. Addressing barriers or other non-compliant accessibility features is a high priority since practically all patients are persons with disabilities. Also, other public programs include an outpatient eye and dental clinic.
The Main Hospital building is substantially accessible to persons with disabilities. Between 2007-2011, as part of a Mechanical and Electrical System Upgrade Project (DPH0203-DC1) significant accessibly improvements were made to the site and building including improving accessible parking and signage, an accessible entrance vestibule was added to the main entrance, new toilet rooms on all floors were added, and new patient bathing rooms on all floors were added.
Although accessibility improvements have been made, there remain several site and building elements that do not comply with current accessibility requirements. The mitigation of these elements must be addressed in upcoming construction projects. The exact level of compliance depends on the scope and cost of work. Where barriers cannot be removed or are not required to be removed, the Hospital must provide program accessibility1 to persons with disabilities.
Construction costs, including possible change orders for unforeseen conditions, for the Mechanical and Energy Improvements project will likely exceed 30% of the CAMIS replacement value of the building. Currently, 30% of the year 2017 CAMIS replacement value is $14,020,912. If the total project cost exceeds this amount, the entire building will need to comply with 521CMR. If the total project cost is less than 30% of the CAMIS replacement value, no additional accessibility work will be required under state accessibility regulations since an accessible entrance and accessible toilet rooms exist. There are no drinking fountains or pay telephones in the building. All work included in the current project with components having state and federal accessibility requirements (such as light switches, outlets, room heating and cooling controls, ect.) must comply.
Additional accessibility improvements required by the 2010 ADA Standards for alterations in an existing facility are not expected to exceed the requirements triggered by 521CMR for full building compliance. However, specific requirements of the 2010 Standards and 521CMR may differ slightly. In cases where these requirements differ, the requirement providing the greater level of accessibility to persons with disabilities must be used.
1 The term program accessibility refers to the ADA, Title II requirement that a public entity’s services, programs, or activities, when viewed in their entirety, must be readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities. Public entities are not necessarily required to remove all barriers at existing facilities built prior to February 26, 1992.
Existing Conditions Relative to Accessible Features An Accessibility Audit of the existing building was completed in March of 2017 by Kessler, McGuiness and Associates (KMA). Below is a summary of elements that do not comply with current accessibility requirements. The full audit is available in Appendix I. Site, Parking, and Entrance Issues The Main Hospital building is located on a hill along East Mountain Road. Accessible parking and a PVTA bus stop is located at the mid-level parking lot closest to the accessible public entrance. An upper parking lot has no accessible parking spaces but is connected to the mid-level lot with a non-compliant walkway. A lower lot has at least one designated accessible parking space on an accessible route to the east entrance by the pavilion. There is a non-compliant walkway connecting the lower parking area to the mid-level parking area on the west side of the building.
Non-compliant site walkways must be reconstructed unless an MAAB variance can be obtained and new walkways complying with accessibility requirements can be constructed with signage indicating the accessible path of travel. Pedestrian paths along East Mountain Road are sidewalks and are exempt from running slope requirements. A variance request would require obtaining the original date of construction of the non-compliant walkway. A more detailed accessibility survey of alternate paths may be needed. Variance requests may require a cost for compliance estimate.
Compliant, accessible parking signage must be provided. Directional signage at the entrance to the upper lot must be provided to indicate the location of accessible parking in the mid-level lot. Van accessible parking signs are needed at the required van accessible parking spaces adjacent to an 8’ wide access aisle. Directional signs are needed at the beginning of all inaccessible walkways directing people to accessible paths of travel.
Designated accessible parking spaces with ponding water must be relocated or the surface must be improved to drain water properly.
The clinic entrance ramp has a running slope which exceeds current accessibility requirements. Additional information is needed to determine whether an MAAB variance is advised or whether the ramp needs to be altered or replaced.
Building-Wide Issues While most of the building is accessible, the following accessibility issues were found in multiple locations:
Some doors lack maneuvering clearance.
Some rooms lack visual alarms.
Nurse call pull cords and window controls require tight grasping to operate.
Some door thresholds have a change in level >0.5”.
Coat hooks are mounted too high.
Objects protrude into the accessible route.
Floor 2 signage lacks tactile characters.
Some counters are mounted too high.
Note: Although standpipes exist as protruding objects in stairways, the MAAB does not consider stairways as part of the accessible route. Therefore, protecting these items is not required by the MAAB.
Existing Conditions Relative to Accessible Features (continued) Toilet Room Issues All public toilet rooms (except for Room 0250) are substantially accessible; however, some elements in these toilet rooms do not comply:
Most paper towel dispensers are not located within reach of the accessible sink.
Some mirrors and soap dispensers are not located at the correct height.
Some toilets have centerlines that are not between 16”-18”.
Some sink rims are >34” AFF.
Inaccessible toilet rooms lack signage with directions to accessible toilet rooms.
Patient Bedrooms and Shower Rooms According to the current revision of 521CMR, 5% of the total number of patient bedrooms with toilets shall be designed as Group 2B Units and 45% of the patient bedrooms with toilets shall be designed as Group 1 Units. Currently, all single patient bedrooms comply with room size requirements and entry door requirements.
If bathrooms rooms are provided in patient bedrooms, they must comply with 521CMR 13.3
There are no visual alarms in patient bedrooms. The MAAB allows use of a plug-in adapter to provide an alarm where a hardwired system cannot be installed.
There is no accessible storage in patient bedrooms.
Some patient shower rooms lack accessible features like seats and grab bars.
Some transfer type shower dimensions are slightly >36”.
Existing MAAB Variances Currently, an MAAB variance exists for certain elements in the building. Granted in 2007, this variance included waiving the technical requirements for:
clear maneuvering space at landings and egress stair doors in stair #’s 1-5
uneven treads (winders) in stairs #1,2,4, and 5 at the basement level
handrail extensions at various locations in stair #’s 1-5
relief from provision of 521CMR, Section 31.9.2-6 at staff assisted bathing rooms
According to the MAAB, variances expire when work to the building retriggers accessibility improvements. Expired variances require applying for a new variance. The 2007 variance application and decision is documented in Appendix J. An MAAB variance does not relieve the owner of compliance with ADA Title II requirements or the 2010 ADA Standards. Cost Estimate for Full Building Compliance with 521CMR Based on KMA’s report, a cost estimate for mitigating non-compliant items was performed by VJ Associates. This cost estimate can be found in Appendix K. DCAMM’s Statewide Accessibility Initiative has reviewed this cost estimate and has indicated where it recommends requesting variances for certain elements from the MAAB. These are based on structural limitations or where the cost for compliance would be excessive without a substantial benefit for persons with disabilities. These elements are marked with a V. Elements that can be mitigated operationally by the Hospital are marked with an O.
SECTION 7: Codes & Regulations
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CODE REVIEW
OVERVIEW
The intent of this review is to summarize the relevant codes, regulations and standards that apply to the facility’s
existing mechanical system and to identify items that are currently deficient. The evaluation is organized such that all
applicable codes, regulations and standards are acknowledged. The acknowledgments are followed by descriptions
of noted deficiencies with reference to the associated code section. This review does not intend to be all-
encompassing of every code violation that currently exists, but rather to raise awareness about the major code
concerns regarding the existing mechanical system.
The current building code in place is 780 CMR Massachusetts State Building Code 8th Edition. This code is the
Massachusetts amendments to the International Building Code 2009. Chapter 28 of the Massachusetts State Building
Code 8th Edition references the International Mechanical Code 2009. This mechanical code will be used as a basis
for this code review. Chapter 13 of the Massachusetts State Building Code 8th Edition references an amended
version of the International Energy Conservation Code 2012. This energy code will also be used as a basis for code
review.
Ventilation requirements for buildings in Massachusetts are prescribed by ASHRAE Standard 62.1 Ventilation for
Acceptable Indoor Air Quality. This standard is referenced by the International Mechanical Code 2009 and will be
used to evaluate code compliance for non-clinical space ventilation. Ventilation for clinical spaces is set by ASHRAE
Standard 170 Ventilation of Heath Care Facilities. This standard is referenced by the FGI Guidelines for Design and
Construction of Hospitals and Outpatient Facilities. The aforementioned guidelines are formally adopted by the State
of Massachusetts in the form of checklists. Massachusetts Department of Health and Human Services publishes
design compliance checklists for all healthcare facilities that are seeking Department of Public Health (DPH)
certification. The checklists are broken into four (4) facility types: Hospital Inpatient, Outpatient, Long-Term Care and
Hospice Inpatient. Within each facility type, there are numerous sub-categories as they apply to each facility type. A
checklist exists for each sub-category, with a total of fifty-one (51) checklists. Each checklist references the related
section in the FGI Guidelines for Design and Construction of Hospitals and Outpatient Facilities. This code analysis
will utilize Compliance Checklist IP1: Medical/ Surgical Nursing Unit.
SUMMARY
In summary, the following codes will be used as a basis for code compliance evaluation:
780 CMR Massachusetts State Building Code 8th Edition
524 CMR Board of Elevator Regulations
International Mechanical Code 2009
International Energy Conservation Code 2012
ASHRAE Standard 62.1 Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality
ASHRAE Standard 170 Ventilation of Heath Care Facilities
FGI Guidelines for Design and Construction of Hospitals and Outpatient Facilities
MA DPH Compliance Checklist IP1: Medical/ Surgical Nursing Unit
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VENTILATION, FILTRATION AND PRESSURIZATION
In most cases, the existing mechanical systems lack provisions for code required air changes, space pressure
relationships and filtration. Table 1: Space Design Parameters in Appendix C specifies the space design parameters
for typical clinical spaces within the facility, per ASHRAE Standard 170 Ventilation of Heath Care Facilities. The
column to the right of each parameter indicates whether the typical existing space is compliant with the requirement
or not. It is evident that the systems in place are not capable of providing ventilation or maintaining required pressure
relationships between spaces. In addition, room units are being used to circulate air in numerous spaces in which
room units are not permitted by code. Many spaces that are required to be exhausted directly outdoors are lacking
this requirement.
Table 2: Minimum Ventilation Rate in Appendix C specifies the minimum ventilation rates for typical non-clinical
spaces within the facility, per ASHRAE Standard 62.1 Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality. The amount of
outdoor air for a space is given as a function of the quantity of people and area of the space. The existing mechanical
systems are not capable of delivering outdoor air to most occupied spaces and as a result, current ventilation is
noncompliant with code requirements.
Filtration requirements vary from space to space. Refer to Table 3: Minimum Filter Efficiencies in Appendix C for
minimum filter efficiencies for various space designations. According to ASHRAE Standard 170 Ventilation of Heath
Care Facilities, for ventilation air, filter bank no. 1 shall be placed upstream of the heating and cooling coils such that
all mixed (outside and return) air is filtered. Filter bank no. 2 shall be installed downstream of all wet-air cooling coils
and the supply fan. These requirements are currently unsatisfied, as no ventilation air is being delivered to the
spaces. For spaces where Table 1: Space Design Parameters permits air to be circulated by room units, the total air
changes per hour may be achieved using the room units with a minimum MERV 6 filtration. As majority of spaces
within the hospital are conditioned with window type air conditioners, the rating of the associated filters is MERV 4
maximum. Consequently, most spaces are not receiving any air changes at all as a result of filtration inadequacy.
ELEVATOR HVAC
At the North Elevator and South Elevator, the hoistway ventilation passes through the machine room floor via floor
grilles. This is an acceptable practice, so long as the opening is sized per the requirements of 524 CMR Board of
Elevator Regulations. However, the existing openings from the machine rooms to outdoors at both elevator machine
rooms are currently permanently blocked off. The code requires a means of ventilation to the outer air from enclosed
elevator hoistways and machine rooms. The fact that these openings from the machine rooms to outdoors are
blocked is in violation of 524 CMR Board of Elevator Regulations. In addition, elevator machine rooms are required to
be maintained between 50°F and 90°F. The North and South Elevator machine rooms are equipped with cooling only,
therefore there is no guarantee that the minimum temperature will be maintained during the winter months. Also, The
East Elevator machine room is equipped with heating only, therefore there is no guarantee that the maximum
temperature will be maintained during the summer months.
MAKE-UP AIR
Chapter 5 section 501.3 of the International Mechanical Code 2009 describes pressure equalization requirements for
a building. To paraphrase, if a greater quantity of air is removed by mechanical exhaust systems than is supplied by a
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mechanical ventilating system, adequate make-up air consisting of supply air, transfer air or outdoor air shall be
provided to satisfy the deficiency. Throughout the building there are nineteen (19) exhaust systems and only two (2)
make-up air systems. The make-up air systems are dedicated to the mechanical room and kitchen. It is evident that
that make-up air system for the kitchen is insufficient for the amount of air being exhausted, as the kitchen and dining
room are negatively pressurized to the extent that it is difficult to operate doors to adjacent spaces. The make-up air
system dedicated for the mechanical room does not have a functional heating coil and therefore cannot operate year
round. In addition, the quantity and distribution of air from this unit is inadequate to equalize the negative
pressurization imposed by the exhaust systems throughout the building. This general lack of make-up air throughout
the building is in violation the International Mechanical Code 2009.
DISHWASHER EXHAUST DISCHARGE LOCATION
Section 5.5.1 of ASHRAE Standard 62.1 Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality specifies minimum distances
between outdoor air intakes and potential outdoor contaminant sources. At Western MA Hospital, the operable
windows can be considered openings that are part of a natural ventilation system. The dishwasher exhaust system
utilizes an upblast style fan that is mounted horizontally in a window opening on the basement level. Per the
abovementioned code section, this discharge location should be a minimum of 10’ from any operable window,
however there is an operable window located approximate 5’ directly above the fan discharge.
SECTION 8: Recommendations
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RECOMMENDATIONS
MECHANICAL
CLIMATIC AND ROOM DESIGN CONDITIONS:
Summer: Indoor conditions shall be able to maintain 75 degrees F and 50% relative humidity in all patient care and
non-patient care areas. Mechanical and electrical rooms shall be able to maintain 80 degrees F without humidity
control. The basis of design shall utilize 91°F DB 73°F WB outdoor air conditions.
Winter: Indoor design conditions shall be able to maintain 70 degrees F and 30% relative humidity in patient care
areas; no humidity control for non-patient care areas. Mechanical and electrical rooms shall be able to maintain 60
degrees F without humidity control. The basis of design shall utilize 0°F DB outdoor air conditions.
*Summer and winter conditions are based on ASHRAE Handbook, Fundamentals - Climatic Design Information
chapter.
PRIMARY HEATING
Hydronic hot water for all facility space heating, ventilation and perimeter heating systems shall be generated by a
completely new hydronic hot water boiler plant. The boiler plant shall consist of multiple high efficiency condensing
boiler modules connected together in parallel piping arrangement. It is intended to locate the new heating equipment
within the existing boiler plant mechanical space. All heating equipment and associated controls shall be powered
from the facilities essential equipment branch.
Boiler plant equipment shall consist of the following:
Three (3) 3,000 MBH or four (4) 2,000 MBH high efficiency condensing fire tube modular boilers with dual
fuel capability. Natural gas is expected to be the primary fuel source with either propane or fuel oil as
secondary fuel source.
Based on preliminary heating loads, the anticipated capacity required to support existing hospital heating
loads is 6,000 MBH. The two boiler options described above are intended to provide N+1 heating
redundancy.
Each boiler module shall be direct vented via stainless steel flue, terminating a minimum of 7’ above the
existing boiler plant roof and a minimum of 10’ horizontally from existing hospital exterior wall. Where
outdoor air openings exist, boiler venting must terminate no less than 25’ from these openings. Combustion
air shall be ducted directly to each boiler module via “gooseneck” termination through existing boiler plant
roof (adjacent to flue termination).
Three (3) base mounted, centrifugal end suction pumps shall circulate hot water from boiler plant to space
heating, ventilation and perimeter heating loads. The three pumps shall provide N+1 redundancy such that
two pumps are required to operate to provide full flow to the facility with the third pump available for
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standby operation. Pumps shall be configured in a variable primary arrangement, each with a dedicated
variable frequency drive. Based on preliminary heating loads, it is anticipated that each pump shall have a
capacity of 190 GPM @ 85’ of total dynamic head.
o Option: in lieu of three (3) hot water pumps, provide two (2) hot water pumps each rated for 380
GPM @ 85’ of total dynamic head.
Hydronic specialty equipment shall be required, including floor mounted expansion tank, line size air
separator and glycol holding tank with feed pump.
Hot water supply and return piping shall be installed throughout the facility to support ventilation pre-heat,
terminal heating and perimeter heating systems. The hot water supply and return mains are anticipated to
be 5” diameter, with a minimum of 1-1/2” thick fiberglass insulation (1” insulation is acceptable on pipe
sizes 1-1/4” and smaller). Hydronic piping materials shall consist of type “L” copper for all pipe sizes 2” and
smaller and ASTM A 53 black steel for all pipe sizes 2 1/2” and larger. All piping shall be labeled in
accordance with ASME A13.1, “Scheme for the Identification of Piping Systems,” for letter size, colors,
length of description and viewing angles.
PROCESS HEATING
Process steam shall continue to be supported via existing “medium” pressure steam boilers. As described in existing
conditions section above, these boilers have been converted to operate at low pressure (15 PSI maximum). A new 60
gallon, packaged feed water skid assembly shall provide storage for make-up water and condensate return, and
integral feed water pumps capable of 3 GPM @ 25 psig for boiler feed distribution. The skid shall be pre-assembled
type, with tank, pumps, piping and appurtenances, wiring, control panel and automatic steam preheat. Condensate
return shall be supported via a new duplex cast iron condensate receiver skid, with minimum 15 gallon reservoir and
3 GPM capacity. New steam mains are anticipated to be 2 ½” diameter, with a minimum of 2 ½” thick fiberglass
insulation. All steam piping sizes 2” and smaller shall be schedule 40 welded or schedule 80 threaded. Pipe sizing 2-
1/2” and larger shall be standard weight, welded or flanged.
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PRIMARY COOLING
AIR COOLED
Chilled water for all facility space cooling systems shall be generated by a completely new chilled water plant. The
chiller plant shall consist of two (2) air cooled chillers connected together in a parallel piping arrangement. The intent
is to locate the new chillers outdoors on grade and all chilled water system appurtenances within the existing boiler
plant mechanical space. All cooling equipment and associated controls shall be powered from the facilities essential
equipment branch.
Air cooled chiller plant equipment shall consist of the following:
Two (2) 180 ton (nominal) air cooled chillers with screw compressors. Chillers to be furnished with single
point power, convenience receptacle, sound attenuation package, 65KA min AIC rating. Primary chilled
water temperature differential is intended to be 12 degrees, 56 entering and 44 leaving.
Based on preliminary cooling loads, the anticipated capacity required to support existing hospital cooling
load is 310 tons (actual). The chiller option described above is intended to provide 50% redundancy.
Two (2) base mounted, centrifugal end suction pumps shall circulate chilled water from existing boiler plant
to space cooling loads. The two pumps shall provide N+1 redundancy such that one pump is required to
operate to provide full flow to the facility with the second pump available for standby operation. Pumps shall
be configured in a variable primary arrangement, each with a dedicated variable frequency drive. Based on
preliminary cooling loads, it is anticipated that each pump shall have a capacity of 650 GPM @ 100’ of total
dynamic head.
Hydronic specialty equipment shall be required, including floor mounted expansion tank, line size air
separator, glycol holding tank with feed pump and 500 gallon insulated buffer tank.
Each chiller shall be piped in a parallel configuration with underground piping extending from the chillers on
grade to the existing boiler plant mechanical space.
Chilled water supply and return piping shall be installed throughout the facility to support cooling loads. The
chilled water supply and return mains are anticipated to be 6” diameter, with a minimum of 1-1/2” thick
fiberglass insulation (1” insulation is acceptable on pipe sizes 3” and smaller). Chilled water piping
materials shall consist of type “L” copper for all pipe sizes 2” and smaller and ASTM A 53 black steel for all
pipe sizes 2 1/2” and larger. All piping shall be labeled in accordance with ASME A13.1, “Scheme for the
Identification of Piping Systems,” for letter size, colors, length of description and viewing angles.
WATER COOLED
Chilled water for all facility space cooling systems shall be generated by a completely new chilled water plant. The
chiller plant shall consist of two (2) water cooled screw chillers connected together in a parallel piping arrangement.
The intent is to locate the new chillers indoors within a new addition to the existing boiler plant; the new mechanical
space shall house all condenser water system appurtenances. Chilled water system appurtenances shall be located
within existing boiler room. All cooling equipment and associated controls shall be powered from the facilities normal
equipment branch.
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Water cooled chiller plant equipment shall consist of the following:
Two (2) 155 ton (nominal) high efficiency water cooled screw chillers.
Based on preliminary cooling loads, the anticipated capacity required to support existing hospital cooling
load is 310 tons (actual). The chiller option described above is intended to provide 50% redundancy.
One dual cell 310 ton cooling tower located at grade on raised steel dunnage. Cooling tower shall be cross-
flow style, induced draft with variable speed drive control fan and stainless steel sump. Alternatively, the
cooling tower shall be mounted directly above the new chiller plant mechanical space.
Two (2) base mounted, centrifugal end suction pumps shall circulate chilled water from new chiller plant to
space cooling loads. The two pumps shall provide N+1 redundancy such that one pump is required to
operate to provide full flow to the facility with the second pump available for standby operation. Pumps shall
be configured in a variable primary arrangement, each with a dedicated variable frequency drive. Based on
preliminary cooling loads, it is anticipated that each pump shall have a capacity of 650 GPM @ 100’ of total
dynamic head.
Two (2) horizontal split case centrifugal pumps shall circulate condenser water from cooling tower cells to
indoor water cooled chillers. The two pumps shall provide N+1 redundancy such that one pump is required
to operate to provide full flow to the facility with the second pump available for standby operation. Each
pump shall be provided with a dedicated variable frequency drive. Based on preliminary cooling loads, it is
anticipated that each pump shall have a capacity of 950 GPM @ 45’ of total dynamic head.
Hydronic specialty equipment shall be required, including floor mounted expansion tank, line size air
separator, glycol holding tank with feed pump, 500 gallon insulated buffer tank and water treatment skid.
Each chiller shall be piped in a parallel configuration with common header. Evaporator and condenser
water control valves will be provided to control flow to multiple chillers.
Complete refrigerant monitoring system shall be provided including refrigerant monitor and sampling tubes,
remote warning beacon (with signage), and dedicated refrigerant exhaust system.
Chilled water supply and return piping shall be installed throughout the facility to support cooling loads. The
chilled water supply and return mains are anticipated to be 6” diameter, with a minimum of 1-1/2” thick
fiberglass insulation (1” insulation is acceptable on pipe sizes 3” and smaller). Chilled water piping
materials shall consist of type “L” copper for all pipe sizes 2” and smaller and ASTM A 53 black steel for all
pipe sizes 2 1/2” and larger. All piping shall be labeled in accordance with ASME A13.1, “Scheme for the
Identification of Piping Systems,” for letter size, colors, length of description and viewing angles.
AIR HANDLING & AIR DISTRIBUTION
PRIMARY VENTILATION & EXHAUST
Ventilation air heating, cooling, humidification, dehumidification and general exhaust shall be provided by three (3)
custom style energy recovery rooftop air handling units. The new rooftop air handlers will be installed on new
structural steel dunnage or roof curbs; appropriate structural support mechanism shall be determined by structural
engineer. These units will supply conditioned ventilation air throughout the entire hospital facility. In addition, they will
support the entire building’s general exhaust requirements and transfer energy from the conditioned exhaust
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airstream to the unconditioned incoming ventilation airstream. New rooftop ventilation air handling units will be 100%
outdoor air custom grade units with the following characteristics:
13,000 CFM outdoor air for ventilation supply
12,000 CFM exhaust air
3” external static pressure supply and 3” external static pressure exhaust fan performance.
100% outside air.
All sections welded-frame, double-wall, aluminum interior/exterior, 3” foam insulated panel construction
with thermal breaks.
Stainless steel drain pans and coil racks
Interior drains in all sections.
Factory-mounted and -wired disconnect switches.
Factory-wired interior and service lights and receptacles.
Premium efficiency motors.
Variable speed drives for individual control of all fans and energy recovery wheel.
Access doors and windows in all sections.
Airflow measuring stations (supply, exhaust, and outside air).
Filter bank differential pressure gauges.
Minimum (2) plenum supply and (2) plenum exhaust fans; airfoil centrifugal type.
Ultra-low-leakage dampers.
Smoke dampers (supply and return).
Duct smoke detectors (supply and return).
30% efficient pleated pre-filters.
90% efficient cartridge final filters.
Energy recovery core or energy recovery wheel.
Steam humidifier section, with electric steam generator.
35% propylene glycol hydronic pre-heating coils.
35% propylene glycol chilled water hydronic cooling coils.
Discharge Plenum.
Air handler and controls shall be on emergency power.
Estimated footprint: 19’-1” W * 32’-10” L * 9’-1” H (not including structural support).
Estimated weight 26910 lbs
Low pressure supply ductwork will run along the roof from the roof top units discharge and drop down into multiple
shafts where it will eventually distribute tempered air to either terminal equipment or directly to occupied space via
ceiling diffusers.
Relief from each space shall be returned to the rooftop units in a similar fashion, via low pressure exhaust ductwork
connected to ceiling grilles serving each space. Ductwork traveling vertically will be located within the same shafts as
the supply air duct risers. Any duct shaft penetration (supply, relief, exhaust, etc.) shall be protected by combination
fire smoke dampers interlocked with local duct smoke detectors.
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*If VRV system option is selected, energy recovery unit shall be provided with split DX cooling coil in lieu of 35% P.G.
chilled water coil. In addition, provide air-cooled condensing units of quantities and capacities to match DX cooling
coils.
EMERGENCY ELECTRIC ROOM HEATING AND COOLING
Heating and cooling needs for the existing emergency electric room shall be provided via packaged rooftop air
handling unit. The new rooftop air handler will be installed on either new structural steel dunnage or roof curbs;
appropriate structural support mechanism shall be determined by structural engineer. New rooftop air handling unit
will be packaged recirculating type with the following characteristics:
1,500 CFM supply air with 20% outdoor air.
100% enthalpy economizer
1” external static pressure fan performance.
All sections welded-frame, double-wall, galvanized interior/exterior insulated panel construction with
thermal breaks.
Stainless steel drain pans and coil racks
Indirect natural gas furnace.
Package direct expansion (DX) cooling.
Factory-mounted and wired disconnect switches.
Factory-wired service lights and receptacles.
Constant volume premium efficiency motor(s).
Access doors and windows in all sections where possible.
Airflow measuring stations (supply, return, and outside air).
Filter bank differential pressure gauges.
Airfoil centrifugal supply air fan.
Ultra-low-leakage dampers.
Duct smoke detectors (supply and return).
30% efficient pleated pre-filters.
Air handler and controls shall be on emergency power.
Estimated footprint: 5’ W * 7’ L * 4’ H (not including structural support).
Estimated weight 800 lbs
MECHANICAL ROOM HEATING AND COOLING
Heating for the mechanical room shall be provided by two (2) 35 MBH hydronic unit heaters. Units shall be ceiling
suspended and strategically located near outdoor air intake. Cooling for the mechanical room shall utilize a sidewall
relief propeller fan rated at 500 CFM and 0.5” static pressure interlocked with outside air make-up opening; each
opening will be provided with an automatic control damper. The propeller fan and make-up air opening shall be
located on opposite sides of the mechanical room for maximum performance.
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TYPE II KITCHEN EXHAUST & MAKE UP AIR SYSTEMS
Type II kitchen exhaust shall be served by a new utility set fan, located in the rooftop penthouse. Fan performance
shall be 8,000 CFM at 3” W.C. external static pressure. Exhaust fan shall be furnished with spring isolators, electrical
disconnect switch and VFD. Provide new 40x22 ductwork from the new fan down to the kitchen on the basement
level. Make-up air for the kitchen shall be provided via new dedicated make-up air unit located outside on grade. Unit
performance shall be 17,500 CFM at 2” W.C. external static pressure. Unit shall be furnished with electrical
disconnect switch, supply fan powered via VFD, chilled water hydronic cooling coil, hot water hydronic heating coil
and MERV-7 pre-filter. Provide new 60x28 ductwork from make-up air unit to the kitchen on the basement level.
As an add alternate option, new type 2 kitchen exhaust and existing type 1 grease exhaust hoods shall be retrofitted
with a demand based variable volume kitchen control system which includes hood optic and temperature sensors that
modulates exhaust airflow based on heat and smoke detected. Each exhaust fan shall be interlocked with proposed
makeup air handling unit to vary the airflow simultaneously based on feedback from hood optic and temperature
sensors.
TERMINAL SYSTEMS
BASELINE AND OPTION 3 – FOUR PIPE FAN COIL UNITS
Heating, cooling and ventilation shall be provided to each zone via 4-pipe terminal fan coil units (FCU). Each fan coil
unit shall consist of a direct drive centrifugal fan powered via ECM motor, hydronic heating and cooling coils, heating
and cooling control valves, condensate drain pan and disposable filter (MERV 6). Fan coils will generally be
horizontal ceiling concealed ducted units. Supply air shall be ducted from FCU outlet to ceiling registers, and return
air will be brought back to the FCU inlet. Primary ventilation air from the roof top air handling equipment will be ducted
directly to the FCU return air duct system. Temperature control zoning shall be based on the following criteria:
1. All patient sleeping rooms shall be individually zoned.
2. Non-sleeping rooms shall be zoned separately based on interior and exterior exposures.
3. Exterior non-sleeping spaces with multiple exposures shall be zoned separately.
4. Multiple FCU’s shall be provided for single spaces consisting of 1,500 sq. ft. or greater.
5. Different departments shall not share zones. Spaces in different departments will be zoned
separately.
OPTION 1 AND OPTION 2 – ACTIVE CHILLED BEAMS
Heating, cooling and ventilation shall be provided to each zone via 4-pipe active chilled beams (ACB). Each ACB
shall consist of a primary air connection (ventilation air), 2 of 4-way air distribution, induction nozzles, hydronic
heating and cooling coils and heating and cooling control valves. Active chilled beams will sit flush in the ceiling and
be supported from the structure above. Every space requiring heating, cooling and ventilation will be provided with at
least one chilled beam; temperature control zoning shall be based on the following table:
Room Type Chilled Beam Linear Feet
Single Occupant Patient Room 6’
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Double Occupant Patient Room 8’
Typical Single Occupant Office 4’
Multiple Occupant Office 8’
Small Conference Rooms 16’
Large Conference Rooms 40’
Auditorium 70’
To prevent condensation from forming on the chilled beam cooling coils, careful consideration must be made to
ensure the chilled water supply temperature remains a minimum of 2 degrees above the space dew point
temperature. This impacts the design of the chiller plant, ventilation air handler cooling coils and ACB entering chilled
water temperatures. The primary chiller plant leaving water temperature and temperature differential will be modified
significantly, ranging from 42 degree leaving water temperature to 64 degree return water temperature. The
ventilation air handling unit cooling coil will need to generate 49 degree leaving air and the chilled water supply
temperature serving the ACB’s will be between 56 and 58 degrees. In order to supply “higher” temperature chilled
water to the ACB’s, a secondary pumping system is required for each high temperature chilled water zone. One (1)
secondary inline circulator shall be provided at each chilled water riser takeoff to create a high temperature chilled
water loop. A total of twelve (12) circulators rated for 35 GPM @ 35’ of head will be required.
Because of the dew point sensitivity of an active chilled beam system, careful consideration must be taken when
retrofitting existing buildings to ensure the envelope is properly sealed, exterior glazing is relatively high performing
and exterior walls are insulated. If the envelope is compromised, unconditioned outdoor air can infiltrate the building
thus increasing interior space dew points. Uncontrolled increases in space dewpoint temperatures can create
condensation on the chilled beam cooling coils which ultimately ends up condensing within the space(s) served.
Additional controls are required to monitor indoor space relative humidity, condensation on cooling coils and provide
the ability to disable the system when indoor conditions are not suitable for chilled beam operation.
OPTION 4 – VARIABLE REFRIGERANT VOLUME
In lieu of primary heating* and cooling systems described above, primary heating and cooling will be generated via
variable refrigerant volume (VRV) direct expansion (DX) heat pump system with heat recovery; the heat recovery
function allows for simultaneous heating and cooling. The VRV system consists of thirty-two (32) 12 ton VRV outdoor
rooftop heat pump systems, direct expansion terminal fan coil units, branch selector cabinets and associated R410A
refrigerant piping distribution system. Heat pump units shall utilize variable speed driven compressors capable of
serving multiple split evaporators. The system is intended to connect outdoor heat pump units to the indoor fan coil
units via a three pipe refrigerant piping system, with branch selector cabinets varying refrigerant flow to each terminal
fan coil unit/zone.
Heating, cooling and ventilation will be provided to each zone via DX terminal fan coil units (FCU). Each fan coil unit
will consist of a direct drive fan, direct expansion heating/cooling coil, control valve, condensate drain pan and
disposable filter (MERV 6). Supplemental heating shall be provided via duct mounted hydronic heating coil fed from
the boiler plant*. While the fan coil units are manufactured in several different configurations (i.e. floor mounted, wall
mounted, concealed ducted, surface mounted ceiling, etc.), the majority of FCU’s proposed for this facility will be
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ceiling concealed ducted units, provided with high static blower. Supply air shall be ducted to ceiling registers and
return air shall be ducted to FCU inlet. Primary ventilation air from the rooftop air handing unit will be ducted directly
to the FCU return duct system. Temperature control zoning shall be based on the following criteria:
1. All patient sleeping rooms shall be individually zoned.
2. Non-sleeping rooms shall be zoned separately based on interior and exterior exposures.
3. Exterior non-sleeping spaces with multiple exposures shall be zoned separately.
4. Multiple FCU’s shall be provided for single spaces consisting of 1,500 sq. ft. or greater.
5. Different departments shall not share zones. Spaces in different departments will be zoned separately.
Refrigerant piping shall be copper tube type ACR hard drawn with wrought copper solder joint fittings. Solder joints
shall use lead-silver solder, ASTM B 32,Grade 96 TS. All refrigerant piping shall be insulated with 1-1/2” thick closed
cellular foam insulation. Where exposed to the weather, insulation shall be covered with exterior rated aluminum
jacketing.
* VRV system heating capacity is significantly de-rated when outdoor ambient temperatures drop below 20 degrees
F, and have no published heating data for when outdoor ambient temperatures are below -4 degress F. Because of
these heating limitations, the boiler plant described in primary heating section above is still required to provide
supplemental heating and ventilation pre-heat for VRV terminal system option. The chiller plant(s) described in
primary cooling section above are eliminated if VRV terminal system option is selected. Special considerations shall
be required during design to ensure that the Refrigerant Concentration Limit (RCL) for each space is not exceeded.
DOMESTIC HOT WATER
HIGH EFFICIENCY CONDENSING DOMESTIC HOT WATER HEATER WITH ONBOARD STORAGE.
Domestic hot water generation shall be provided via three (3) 130 gallon, 600 MBH domestic hot water heaters piped
in a parallel arrangement. The hot water heaters shall provide N+1 redundancy such that any two water heaters are
able to support the entire domestic hot water load if any single water heater fails. Multiple master thermostatic mixing
valves shall be provided to regulate hot water temperature in accordance with plumbing code maximum fixture hot
water temperatures. Each water heater shall be able to provide a minimum of 11 GPM of recovery flow at a 90
degree temperature rise. A dedicated hot water recirculation system shall replace the existing, consisting of new
circulation pumps rated for 25 GPM @ 40’ of head.
HIGH EFFICIENCY CONDENSING INSTANTANEOUS (TANK-LESS) HOT WATER HEATER
Domestic hot water generation shall be provided via new tank-less domestic hot water skid consisting of five (5) six
gallon, 199 MBH instantaneous hot water heater modules. The hot water modules shall provide N+1 redundancy
such that any four (4) modules are able to support the entire domestic hot water load if any single module fails.
Multiple master thermostatic mixing valves shall be provided to regulate hot water temperature in accordance with
plumbing code maximum fixture hot water temperatures. A dedicated hot water recirculation system shall replace the
existing, consisting of new circulation pumps rated for 25 GPM @ 40’ of head.
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GENERAL
The location of the proposed new domestic hot water heating system shall be in the original mechanical room, where
the current domestic hot water generation equipment is presently located. In order to make way for new domestic hot
water heating system installations, demolition and removal of the abandoned hot water storage tanks will be required.
The anticipated domestic hot water main is expected to be 2”. All domestic water piping shall be type L copper. Cold
water piping shall be insulated with ½” fiberglass insulation and hot water and recirculation piping shall be insulated
with 1” insulation in accordance with IECC 2012. Isolation valves shall be full port, ball type with solder ends. Piping
in exposed areas (i.e. mechanical rooms) shall be jacketed with color coded PVC jackets. Where piping is concealed
(i.e. above ceilings, in wall or within shaft enclosures, etc.), no jacketing is required.
ELEVATOR SYSTEMS
At the north and south passenger elevators, provide each machine room with a new wind driven rain resistant louver,
plenum and smoke damper for machine room and hoistway venting. Louvers shall be 3 square feet minimum free
area. Smoke dampers be class 1A ultra low leakage rated. Smoke dampers shall be closed during normal operation.
Any of the following shall open the damper:
Building general fire alarm dry contact on fire control panel.
Temperature within 2 feet of the top of the shaft rises above 87°F. Damper shall close when temperature
falls below 83°F for 15 minutes. Include high/ low temperature alarms to DDC system.
Power failure
At the north and south passenger elevator machine rooms, provide 2500 BUTH hydronic unit heaters. Units shall be
suspended from the ceiling and controlled by wall-mounted DDC thermostat. At the east freight elevator machine
room, provide a 2 ton split direct expansion (DX) air conditioning unit. Furnish unit with integral condensate pump.
Condensate drain piping shall extend to nearest drain location. The indoor unit shall be wall mounted and controlled
by wall-mounted thermostat. The outdoor unit shall be mounted on sleepers. Provide refrigerant piping between
indoor and outdoor unit per the manufacturer’s recommendation.
AUTOMATIC TEMPERATURE CONTROLS
New HVAC systems shall be controlled via an open protocol direct digital control (DDC) centralized building
automation system (BAS). While the primary function of the BAS is to provide temperature control throughout the
facility, the control system shall also have monitoring, trending, troubleshooting and alarming capabilities. The front
end equipment shall be installed such that the facility and maintenance department will have primary access. In
addition, the BAS system shall have remote access allowing facility personnel to adjust, monitor and troubleshoot
HVAC systems remotely. All recommended equipment shall be interfaced with BAS.
As an alternate option, the BAS system shall be provided as part of a fully integrated building management system.
The intent is that the BAS system would share head end infrastructure with other low voltage facility management
systems including but not limited to lighting control, nurse call, fire alarm and security.
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ACCEPTABLE MANUFACTURERS
Equipment Manufacturer
Boilers Hydrotherm; Cleaver Brooks; Approved Equal
Chillers York; Trane; Carrier
Cooling Tower Marley, BAC, Evapco; Approved Equal
Pumps & Accessories B&G; Armstrong; Taco
Air Handlers (Custom) Haakon; Marcraft; Air Enterprises; Approved Equal
Air Handlers (Packaged) York; Trane; Daikin McQuay
Exhaust Fans / Fans Greenheck; Loren Cook; Twin City; Approved Equal
Chilled Beams Trox; Semco; Price; Titus; Approved Equal
Fan Coil Units Price; Williams; Envirotec; Approved Equal
VRV Mitsubishi; Daikin McQuay; LG; Approved Equal
Terminal Heating Equipment Sterling; Airtherm; Approved Equal
Domestic Hot Water Heater – With Tank PVI; Rheem; AO Smith; Approved Equal
Domestic Hot Water Heater - Tankless Rinnai; Rheem; Approved Equal
Automatic Temperature Controls Schneider; Johnson Controls; Honeywell; Siemens
Kitchen Exhaust Controls Melink; Captiveaire; Approved Equal
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ELECTRICAL
NORMAL POWER SYSTEMS
The existing normal power electrical service is not of sufficient capacity to support any of the Mechanical options
described above.
There are multiple options for supplying the required additional Normal power:
1. Upgrade the existing system capacity from 2,500 to 4,000 amps at 208Y/120V. This change will increase the
available fault current throughout the existing distribution system.
a. The study to create separation between branches (performed by others) will likely include all new
panelboards which would be specified to handle the increased available fault current. If this separation and
upgrade project was not to proceed, the increase in fault current may require replacement of downstream
panels due to required AIC ratings increase.
b. A full system short circuit study will be required if this approach is used.
c. The ability to install new service equipment within existing space was not researched as part of this scope.
Continuity of service to the facility will be required with minimized outages. Evaluation and associated
phasing costs are assumed to be included in other studies presently underway.
2. Add a new parallel service from 1,600 to 2,500 amps at 208Y/120V. Retain the existing 2,500 amp service and
include a tie (see 1.c. above for challenges associated with the existing service) to the new service for normal
source redundancy in the event of a transformer failure.
a. The added service can be installed without the recommended bus tie. The bus tie should only be considered
where both services are equal sizes.
b. Service sizing is a function of desired installed redundancy. Added loads range from 1,800 amps for chilled
beams with a water cooled chiller to 2,300 amps for a total VRF system.
i. Factoring in the 1,000 amp spare capacity from the existing service, the minimal new parallel
service recommended is 1,600 amps. This approach does not provide capacity redundancy.
ii. The addition of a new parallel 2,500 amp service is sized for the connected load (no demand
applied) and would likely allow full redundancy with expected demand if the new and existing
switchboards had a bus tie.
3. Add a new 1,200 amp 480Y/277V service to supply the proposed major mechanical equipment for the water or air cooled systems options or VRF condensers. The main shall have ground fault and arc reduction capabilities. The 1,200 amp switchboard would power all loads directly from distribution breakers.
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EMERGENCY POWER SYSTEMS
The existing emergency power electrical service is not of sufficient capacity to support any of the Mechanical options
described above.
There are multiple options for supplying the required additional Emergency power:
4. Each option requires the following: a. Add an 800A power circuit breaker to the existing Russelectric paralleling switchgear.
b. Provide a new 800A Russelectric ATS with bypass isolation feeding an 800A distribution panel to power
each ERU.
c. Provide (1) 200A 42 pole panelboard to power pumps and miscellaneous equipment in the mechanical
room.
d. HMI and systems programming to monitor and control the added distribution breakers and ATS.
e. No additional generator capacity is required. Added load remains under the capacity of a single generator,
retaining N+1 capacity.
5. Each option, with the exception of Chilled Beam requires the following:
a. Add an 800A power circuit breaker to the existing Russelectric paralleling switchgear.
b. Provide an 800A Russelectric ATS with bypass isolation feeding an 800A distribution panel.
c. Provide (8) 100A 42 pole panelboards to power FCUs. These panels shall be placed to minimize the length
of the 15A 120V branch circuit to each FCU.
6. Any option that requires that the chiller plant be energized via the emergency system shall require the following:
a. Add a 350/437.5 kW/kVA diesel fueled generator in a sound attenuated enclosure with a UL listed double
walled 96 hour belly mounted fuel tank. Provide elevated platform and stairs to match existing.
i. The additional generator is required to retain N+1 capacity. The calculated load is approximately
85% of the existing installed capacity, so will theoretically work if N+1 capacity is not required and a
load shed scheme of the chiller plant was included in the Russelectric programming.
b. Add a generator incoming and control cubicle to the existing paralleling switchgear.
c. Add an 800A power circuit breaker to the existing Russelectric paralleling switchgear distribution.
d. Provide an 800A Russelectric ATS with bypass isolation feeding an 800A distribution panel.
e. Power wire the associated air cooled chiller, water cooled chiller with cooling tower and pumps or the VRV
condensers.
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LIGHTING
Remove all existing light fixtures impacted by the scope of the mechanical system upgrades and retain for
reinstallation. All existing power and switch wiring shall be maintained and reconnected once light fixtures are
reinstalled. An allowance should be carried for relocation of existing circuits impacted by the mechanical upgrades.
Provide an add alternate for a complete facility wide lighting upgrade which shall consist of new LED fixtures and a
simple lighting control system which has the ability to integrate with building management system. The lighting control
system shall have the ability to provide for a lighting schedule for common, administration and function spaces.
Patient care spaces shall be controlled via local occupancy sensors and dimming switches.
LOW VOLTAGE SYSTEMS
Provide for an allowance to disconnect and reinstall existing ceiling mounted devices including but not limited to fire
alarm, tel/data and nurse call systems as required to make way for new mechanical system upgrades. Relocation of a
portion of existing circuits impacted by the mechanical upgrades should be expected.
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STRUCTURAL
For the various options vetted in the Option Matrix Study, the following table presents the final options being
proposed. Depending on the final selection, this plan could include the installation of three new AHUs on the existing
roof. Possible alternatives for new chillers include a pre-packaged chiller plant with a roof mounted cooling tower to
be installed on a new exterior slab with accompanying pumps inside the maintenance room on housekeeping pads,
or the addition of a below grade chiller plant building with new foundation/retaining walls and at-grade roof.
Western MA Hospital
Option Table for Structural Support of Mechanical System
Item Description Location Structural Support Needed Reflected RDK Dwg No.
1 Air Cooled Chiller System Exterior Grade
• Reinforced concrete slab on grade H1.1a
2 Water Cooled Chiller System
Exterior Grade or Rooftop Mounted Cooling Tower
• Reinforced concrete slab on grade to support cooling tower. • Foundation/retaining wall system and roof structure for chiller plant building addition • In lieu of grade mounted cooling tower, provide structural steel support for roof mounted cooling tower.
H1.1b
5 Condensing Boilers Basement • Reinforced concrete equipment pads for floor mounted equipment
H1.1a & H1.1b
7 Active Chilled Beams w/ Energy Recovery Ventilation
Throughout Building
• Structural penetrations for ductwork • Structural steel support for rooftop AHU Units
H1.1c - H2.1
8 Variable Refrigerant Volume w/ Energy Recovery Ventilation
Throughout Building
• Structural penetrations for ductwork • Structural steel support for rooftop AHU Units
H1.1c - H2.1
9 Four Pipe Fan Coil w/ Energy Recovery Ventilation
Throughout Building
• Structural penetrations for ductwork • Structural steel support for rooftop AHU Units
H1.1c - H2.1
Chiller System
Boiler System
HVAC System
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ROOF SLAB MODIFICATIONS
The existing roof may be required to support new mechanical equipment. The existing drawings do not indicate roof
design live loads.
A design load of 40 psf is being assumed for the existing roof structure, which includes approximately 30 psf for snow
loads and 10 psf for interior mechanical/electrical loads (pipes, ducts, conduits, etc). The new, larger RTUs will also
result in additional snowdrift loads around the units. As the installation of the new units will exceed the original roof
design load, the existing slab would most likely not be able to support any large mechanical equipment directly on top
of it. It is recommended that structural steel platforms be provided to span above the slab and bear directly over the
existing columns to support mechanical equipment.
Depending on weight, additional miscellaneous framing will be required to support RTU curbs that do not fall directly
over existing roof beams, and to box out new roof openings for RTU ducts/pipes.
Use the following for pricing:
New structural steel posts located at (6) minimum existing column locations for each roof top unit location. New steel
beams and girder spanning between posts to support the new equipment. Assume 18 psf for the steel structure.
The bottom of structure is to be 3’-6” above the finished roofing to avoid drifting snow loads. With the steel and RTUs
elevated by this amount the wind will blow under the frame, scouring the snow away from the leeward side of the unit.
Screen walls should not be used because drifting snow will form behind the screen wall as well unless the screen wall
is also elevated such that wind can blow under the wall. If used, assume 12 psf for steel framing.
FIRST, SECOND, AND THIRD FLOOR MODIFICATIONS
Floor openings to bring HVAC ductwork into the interior space is planned. This will require a portion of the structural
slab to be removed between floors. It is assumed that the structural beams can continue across the opening. The
new opening will require further study to determine the impacts to the floor’s diaphragm capacity in this area.
New penetrations beyond a 30” square limit would require additional steel framing to support the cut structure. For
pricing assume that the new framing consists of (2) new steel beams, each 20’-0” long, located on either side of the
new opening, supported by existing steel beams spanning between and connected to columns. The concrete floor
would then be supported by additional steel header beams framing the opening perimeter. Steel members can be
assumed to weigh 40 plf. Steel would be located below the concrete roof or floor structure.
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BASEMENT / CRAWL SPACE SLAB MODIFICATIONS
The majority of the existing structure is to remain. In the areas where potentially heavy equipment is required, the
existing slab could require reinforcing or strengthening provided above the existing slab to accommodate heavy
mechanical systems, i.e. boilers. Possible modifications and additions to the existing structure will likely impact local
areas for strengthening footings and columns.
Modifications to the Slab-on-Grade: Multiple sections of the slab-on-grade are anticipated to be removed in order to
facilitate the revised MEP underslab services. Assume a 5” slab with 2 psf of reinforcing drilled and epoxied into the
existing slab for pricing.
NEW EQUIPMENT PADS
An exterior reinforced-concrete slab on grade would be required for the new chiller(s) and/or a prepackaged chiller
plant with roof mounted cooling tower. The pad would likely be 18-24” thick with a 1-2 ft granular base below.
Reinforced concrete housekeeping pads (4” to 6” pads on the existing slab) would be required for any new floor
mounted equipment i.e. condensing boilers, pumps, or small equipment. Structurally isolated slab-on-grade for all
vibration sensitive equipment could be required. Assume 4 psf of reinforcing on an 8” thick concrete pad at units
required to be isolated.
CHILLER PLANT BUILDING ADDITION
The proposed new chiller plant building would construct a new 49’-0”x45’-8” addition to the northeast of the main
building with a connection into the existing building basement. This alternative would require a new foundation and
retaining wall system and roof structure. The north and west walls would be below or at grade; the south and east
walls would be exposed with a brick veneer face. Modifications would be required at the existing northeast basement
wall for the connection to the proposed new building addition.
The existing space being considered is currently occupied by a recycling area with a trash compactor and a concrete
ramp. The design and construction of the new structure would result in the demolition and reconstruction of the
existing ramp.
If the new chiller plant addition alternate progresses past design development, a site specific soils report including soil
boring logs, subsurface soil conditions, and geotechnical requirements and/or recommendations should be prepared
to confirm foundation requirements.
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ARCHITECTURAL
In their original Study Option Matrix (July 22, 2016), RDK Engineers identified twelve mechanical systems upgrade
options; three have since been deleted as being not preferred and are not further evaluated following the below table.
System Description Architectural Impact Summary
Primary Cooling: Air Cooled Chiller System
Equipment located at exterior behind existing
generators. [See also terminal systems / air
handling & distribution options.]
Primary Cooling: Water Cooled Chiller System Building addition required for equipment. [See
also terminal systems / air handling &
distribution options.]
Closed Loop Geothermal Primary Heating &
Cooling – Option Deleted
N/A
Low Pressure Steam Boilers – Option Deleted N/A
Primary Heating: Condensing Boilers No major direct architectural impact. [See also
terminal systems / air handling & distribution
options.]
Variable Volume Air Handling System – Option
Deleted
N/A
Terminal Systems / Air Handling & Distribution:
Active Chilled Beams with Energy Recovery
Ventilation
Terminal unit layout in individual spaces will
affect ceilings, lights, and sprinklers. Energy
recovery rooftop air handling units installed at
existing roof. Vertical & horizontal
ductwork/piping distribution required throughout
building.
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Terminal Systems / Air Handling & Distribution:
Variable Refrigerant Volume with Energy
Recovery Ventilation
Terminal unit layout in individual spaces will
affect ceilings, lights, and sprinklers. Energy
recovery rooftop air handling units and 32 heat
pumps installed at existing roof. Vertical &
horizontal ductwork/piping distribution required
throughout building.
Terminal Systems / Air Handling & Distribution:
Four Pipe Fan Coil with Energy Recovery
Ventilation
Terminal unit layout in individual spaces will
affect ceilings, lights, and sprinklers. Energy
recovery rooftop air handling units installed at
existing roof. Vertical & horizontal
ductwork/piping distribution required throughout
building.
Domestic Hot Water: Gas Fired Domestic Hot
Water System
No major direct architectural impact.
Domestic Hot Water: Instantaneous Gas Fired
Domestic Hot Water Heating
No major direct architectural impact.
Automatic Temperature Controls: Fully
Integrated Building Management System
No major direct architectural impact.
AIR COOLED CHILLER SYSTEM [PRIMARY COOLING]
An air cooled chiller system would be located on grade at the exterior behind the existing generators to the north of
the boiler plant. The architectural impact on the existing building for this option is minimal, since this area is not
highly visible to the public and is concealed from the front by an existing screen wall. The existing grade also drops
off from front to back, further shielding the chiller(s) from view. Additional screen walls can be constructed to further
reduce the visual impact, if desired. This primary cooling option generally only requires a structural slab at grade and
a route for supply and return piping to the building interior.
See photos 9-12 for the proposed air cooled chiller(s) location.
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WATER COOLED CHILLER SYSTEM [PRIMARY COOLING]
A water cooled chiller system would require the construction of a new addition since the equipment must be protected
from the weather and the existing building does not currently appear to have adequate space to house a new chiller
system within it.
A new addition to house the water cooled chiller system can be constructed behind the existing generators on the
north side of the building. The four existing one story storage units near this location would be demolished and
recreated within the addition. The addition could be connected to the existing basement level for easy access to/from
the boiler plant. The existing ramp for the trash compactor at this location would probably need to be rebuilt since it
would interfere with the new building foundation. The size of the addition would be determined by the needs of the
mechanical equipment (and recreated storage), but there is also an opportunity to enlarge the addition to provide
additional storage space or easier access to the trash compactor. [Western MA Hospital expressed a desire to
increase available storage space near the main hospital building.]
See SK-1 through SK-3 for a possible preliminary layout and site location.
CONDENSING BOILERS [PRIMARY HEATING]
There are no major direct architectural implications to the existing building. The existing boiler plant appears to
provide sufficient interior space to accommodate the proposed option.
ACTIVE CHILLED BEAMS WITH ENERGY RECOVERY VENTILATION
Active Chilled Beams would be mounted flush with the suspended ceiling in each room requiring heating, cooling,
and ventilation. [The units are intended to be supported by the existing building structure, and structural support
capacity will need to be confirmed.] To accomplish this work, suspended ceilings throughout most of the building
would need to be removed and reinstalled or replaced entirely. Lighting fixtures, sprinklers, and other systems would
probably need to be relocated to accommodate the new chilled beams, ductwork, and hydronics. The space
available above suspended ceilings varies throughout the building, and sufficient clearance for new equipment should
be confirmed room-by-room early in the design process. See photos 13 and 14 for typical conditions above existing
suspended ceilings.
There are a number of spaces that currently have hard (gypsum wall board) ceilings rather than suspended ceilings
(e.g. – third floor north wing). In these locations, options for installing chilled beams include: surface-mounting* the
unit to the hard ceiling and leaving the unit, ductwork, and piping exposed; surface-mounting* the unit but concealing
ductwork and piping in soffits; modifying the hard ceilings to install the unit, ductwork, and piping above the ceiling;
and removing the hard ceiling and replacing it with a suspended ceiling similar to typical patient rooms. [Note*:
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Specific ceiling heights, equipment depth, and clearance requirements must be confirmed if surface-mounting is to be
considered.]
Active chilled beams are sensitive to dew point and operate best with an efficient and tight building envelope to
control possible condensation issues. The ca. 1935 exterior masonry walls at Western MA Hospital most likely do not
include air or vapor barriers and are probably not effectively insulated. Existing windows appear to have had their
original single pane glazing replaced with thin insulated units, but the steel frames are not thermally broken.
Significant forensic research should be performed to determine whether or not the existing building envelope is
adequately efficient and tight to support the installation of an active chilled beam system.
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VARIABLE REFRIGERANT VOLUME WITH ENERGY RECOVERY VENTILATION
A Variable Refrigerant Volume (VRV) system would typically incorporate DX terminal fan coil units concealed above
the suspended ceiling in each room. To accomplish this work above the ceilings, new suspended ceilings and new or
reinstalled lighting fixtures might be required throughout the building. Sprinklers would probably need to be relocated
to accommodate the new equipment and ductwork above the ceiling. Space available above suspended ceilings
varies throughout the building, and sufficient clearance for new equipment should be confirmed. See photos 13 and
14 for typical conditions above existing suspended ceilings.
Consideration for spaces with hard ceilings is also required. Options for exposed or concealed equipment, ductwork,
and piping are similar to those described above for active chilled beams.
Per RDK’s initial description, thirty two (32) rooftop mounted heat pumps would supply the VRV system, in lieu of the
primary cooling systems described in Options 1 and 2 above. (A primary heating boiler plant will still be required to
provide supplemental heating for the VRV terminal system option.) A significant amount of work will need to occur on
the roof, and, as stated elsewhere in this report, we would recommend that total roof replacement be added to the
scope of this project. See photos 24-28 for examples of the existing roof condition.
FOUR PIPE FAN COIL WITH ENERGY RECOVERY VENTILATION
Four-pipe fan coil units would be mounted above the ceiling in each room requiring heating, cooling, and ventilation.
As with the active chilled beams and VRV terminal unit systems described above in Options 7 and 8, significant
alterations to ceilings, lighting fixtures, and sprinklers will be required. Space restrictions and existing structural
support capacity above the existing ceilings will need to be confirmed during design. Locations with hard ceilings
also require additional consideration. See photos 13 and 14 for typical conditions above existing suspended ceilings.
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GAS FIRED DOMESTIC HOT WATER SYSTEM
Domestic hot water heating system equipment is intended to be located in the main mechanical room; there are no
major direct architectural implications.
INSTANTANEOUS GAS FIRED DOMESTIC HOT WATER HEATING
Domestic hot water heating system equipment is intended to be located in the main mechanical room; there are no
major direct architectural implications.
FULLY INTEGRATED BUILDING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM [AUTOMATIC TEMPERATURE CONTROLS]
There are no major direct architectural implications.
PRIMARY VENTILATION AND EXHAUST:
RDK proposes that ventilation air heating, cooling, humidification, dehumidification, and general exhaust be provided
by three energy recovery rooftop air handling units. Requirements for rooftop structural support must be determined
by the structural engineer. In addition to the units themselves, new exposed ductwork will also be installed on the
roof.
Removal of obsolete equipment and installation of new systems will have a significant impact on the existing finished
roof. Based on the age and condition of the existing roof, we would recommend a complete roof replacement be
included along with this mechanical work. The existing roof appears to be a single-ply EPDM membrane roof which
can be replaced in-kind with new EPDM. Other single-ply membrane options include PVC or TPO. These so-called
thermoplastic membrane options provide heat welded seams rather than adhered seams and are available in several
thicknesses and colors. Additional roof insulation should be provided during the roof replacement to improve the
thermal efficiency of the building and minimize heat loss through the roof. New guardrails will be required at the roof
edge where new equipment is located within 10’-0” of the edge per OSHA requirements.
See photos 24-28 for examples of the existing roofing condition.
Each of the three rooftop air handling units will serve approximately one third of the building, divided into the north
wing, center wing, and south wing. Supply and return ductwork will run vertically to and from each unit from the roof
down to the basement ceiling. The north and south wings are expected to be served by one large vertical chase
each, while the center wing will require three smaller vertical chases to serve the area. RDK has identified
preliminary locations for these vertical chases, and field observations suggest that they are generally feasible. Some
interior spaces will be affected by the build out required to create the vertical chases. Penetrations through the
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existing floor slabs will need to be considered by the structural engineer, and requirements for fire dampers and fire
stopping will be studied during design.
Supply and return ductwork will run horizontally at each floor level from the vertical chase locations to all spaces
requiring ventilation. Supply ductwork is currently proposed to run down the main corridors and branch off to each
served space. Return ductwork is typically located around the perimeter near exterior walls. Horizontal ductwork is
intended to be concealed above existing suspended ceilings. The impact on the existing suspended ceilings will be
significant, requiring removal and reinstallation or complete replacement throughout most areas of the building.
Lighting fixtures, sprinklers, and other systems located on or above ceilings will need to be relocated or replaced.
Several areas currently have hard, gypsum board or plaster, ceilings. Significant alterations would be required to
conceal ductwork in these areas. The historic coffered plaster ceiling at the first floor main entry lobby should be the
subject of particular attention during design in order to preserve its character. See photos 15 and 16 for views of the
entry lobby.
Ductwork routing will also result in a large quantity of horizontal penetrations through walls and partitions, which will
require thorough study during design for fire dampers and fire stopping locations.
HYDRONICS:
A system of hot water supply and return pipes and cold water supply and return pipes will run throughout the building
to serve terminal units and rooftop air handlers. In most options explored by RDK, the piping will run to and from the
basement boiler plant up through the building to the roof. Piping will run in three main vertical chases serving the
north, center, and south wings of the building. These chases are adjacent to some of the ventilation ductwork chases
described above.
At each floor level, supply and return piping will generally run above the ceilings at the main corridors and branch into
each room requiring heating and cooling. Although piping installation is generally more flexible than ductwork, there
will be impacts to existing suspended ceilings, hard ceilings, lighting fixtures, sprinklers, and other items located on or
above ceilings.
Some of the proposed HVAC system options require additional piping such as condensate return and refrigerant
piping.
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EXISTING WINDOWS AND AIR CONDITIONERS:
Most existing patient rooms, administrative spaces, and activity areas are currently cooled via +/- 135 window air
conditioners. These air conditioners will become obsolete after the mechanical upgrades, so we recommend
removing them and reinstalling insulated glazing units to match the existing. The steel windows are original to the ca.
1935 construction, but the single pane glass has been replaced with insulated glazing units. While this may have
improved the thermal performance of the windows to some extent, new commercial grade aluminum windows with
thermal breaks and modern glazing would further improve their energy efficiency. Complete window replacement
should be considered as part of this project or a future project to maximize the benefits of the mechanical upgrades.
New windows might also help to control condensation if “Option #7: Active Chilled Beams” is selected.
PROJECT PHASING AND COORDINATION:
Swing space should be planned within the building to accommodate temporary displacement of patients. Relocation
of one third to one half of the patients on each typical wing of each floor would provide efficient work areas for phased
construction work to occur. A number of locations within the building were identified by hospital staff as possible
locations to create temporary patient swing space, including the basement auditorium and the second floor activity
room. CGKV’s recommendation is to reconfigure the unused third floor operating room suite into temporary patient
sleeping rooms.
Based on the attached sketch, SK-4, approximately nine patient rooms with eleven patient beds can be created in the
existing +/- 2,200 SF operating room suite plus Room 3960 across the hall. Relocating eleven patients to this
temporary location would allow the contractor to perform construction in approximately half of the north wing, for
example. See photos 19-23 for views of the existing operating room suite.
As described by hospital staff, the space needs and level of accommodation for temporary patient rooms are
relatively simple. Rooms can be constructed with steel stud and painted drywall partitions, VCT floors, and
suspended acoustical tile ceilings. Lighting, ventilation, and power will be required. Some patients may need
oxygen. Although temporary, these patient rooms will need to meet applicable codes, and we recommend consulting
with health care professionals at the hospital during the design phase to confirm exact patient needs.
SECTION 9: Alternative Project Considerations
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ALTERNATIVE PROJECT CONSIDERATIONS
In order to accommodate the proposed mechanical system upgrades, significant alterations and upgrades to non-
mechanical systems are assumed to be required. Required projects include:
Ceilings – Significant alterations are required to conceal ductwork and piping throughout the facility. The
extent of the work is such that removal and reinstallation may not be feasible, rendering complete new
suspended ceiling systems throughout.
Sprinkler Modifications - Significant modifications to the exiting wet sprinkler system will be required to
facilitate the installation of new terminal equipment and associated duct and piping systems.
Fire Alarm – It is our understanding that the Owner is planning a facility wide fire alarm upgrade project. As
this project is being performed by a separate design team, the mechanical system upgrades will need to be
coordinated with this concurrent project. It is expected that local ceiling mounted devices will need to be
moved and/or relocated to accommodate proposed mechanical system installations.
Normal Power Upgrade - It is our understanding that the Owner is planning to upgrade/renovate the existing
normal power switchgear. As this project is being performed by a separate design team, the mechanical
system upgrades will need to be coordinated with this concurrent project. Added load for the options being
considered range from 650 to 800 kVA connected. Utility data provided indicates that spare capacity does
exist, however it is not enough to cover even the lower anticipated increase.
Emergency Power Upgrade - Added load for the options being considered range from 200 to 350 kVA
connected. Generator test data provided indicates that spare capacity does exist, however it is not enough
to cover even the lower anticipated increase without addition of distribution breakers, ATS and panelboards.
Separation of Power - It is our understanding that the Owner is planning an electrical separation project
which requires the creation of new normal and emergency power closets to house panelboards throughout
the facility. As this project is being performed by a separate design team, the mechanical system upgrades
will need to be coordinated with this concurrent project.
In addition to the required projects described above, a number of optional projects have been identified and
recommended due to the extensive impact the mechanical system installations will have on other parts of the facility.
Optional, but recommended project considerations consist of:
Lighting – The extent of ceiling work necessary to facilitate the installation of the proposed new mechanical
systems (terminal equipment, ductwork, piping, etc.) may require a change to the existing lighting layout and
mounting concepts (i.e. surface mounted, suspended, recessed, etc.). A facility wide lighting upgrade to all
LED fixtures should be considered.
Roof Replacement – Per Owner feedback, the existing roof is a candidate for replacement. Visual
observation reveals numerous patching, pooling and both previously repaired and new leaks. As the
architect identified, the roof work required to support the mechanical system upgrades is significant, and it is
recommended to replace the entire roof membrane upon completion of the mechanical roof work.
Window Replacement – The steel windows are original to the 1935 construction, but single pane glass has
been replaced with insulated glazing units. While this may have improved the thermal performance of the
windows to some extent, new commercial grade aluminum windows with thermal breaks and modern
glazing would further improve their energy efficiency. Nearly 135 packaged window air conditioning units will
be removed and replaced with new insulated glazing units as part of the mechanical upgrade project.
Complete window replacement should be considered to maximize the benefits of the mechanical upgrades.
SECTION 10: Implementation Plan & Phasing Considerations
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IMPLEMENTATION PLAN & PHASING CONSIDERATIONS
The proposed mechanical system upgrades are extensive and will have a significant impact on all areas of the
facility. Western MA Hospital has made it clear that operations must not be interrupted, and that the safety and well-
being of patients is paramount. To that end, the project must be designed with detailed phasing and coordination in
mind. Preliminary phasing and implementation strategies may resemble the following:
INITIAL PHASING: Install major mechanical system infrastructure and vertical distribution systems.
The initial construction activities shall revolve around the installation of new cooling and heating plants, new air
handling equipment and their associated piping and duct distribution systems. Work will be mostly contained within
mechanical rooms, crawlspace, roof and non-patient care areas. The intent of the initial phase is to have new cooling,
heating and ventilation systems operational prior to impacting patient care spaces. New vertical piping and duct
distribution systems shall be installed such that work performed in future phases will be limited to horizontal
distribution only.
INTERIM PHASING: Renovate patient care, administration and support spaces.
Swing space shall be planned within the building to accommodate temporary displacement of patients while
administrative functions can be temporarily relocated to other on campus facilities. There were a number of locations
within the building identified by the hospital staff as potential temporary patient swing space including:
Basement auditorium
Second floor patient activity room
Third floor abandoned operating suite
Third floor patient activity room
It is recommended to reconfigure the unused third floor operating suite and patient activities room to accommodate
approximately 2,200 sq. ft. of patient sleeping room swing space. Relocating eleven (11) patients to this temporary
location would allow for mechanical system upgrades to occur in approximately six (6) phases per floor. In each
phase, horizontal distribution shall be extended from the vertical systems installed during initial phasing. In general,
the intent would be to renovate from a top to bottom approach beginning with the highest level, the 3rd floor.
FINAL PHASING: Decommission and remove obsolete mechanical systems
The existing low pressure steam boiler plant will be required to remain online throughout the duration of the
construction efforts while the existing heating systems are being converted from steam to hot water. Upon completion
of the interim phases, the existing steam boiler plant and all associated accessories and piping shall be removed to
the maximum extent practical. It is assumed that vertical steam risers and portions of horizontal distribution piping will
be abandoned in place to minimize disturbance to hazardous materials and impact to recently renovated spaces.
Secondary single wall buried fuel oil storage tank, fuel delivery equipment and associated piping and accessories
shall also be removed.
ADDITIONAL PHASING CONSIDERATIONS
To make room for new high efficiency condensing boiler plant installation, one of the two low pressure
steam boilers will need to be demolished. This will eliminate redundancy for the facility for the duration of
construction. Alternatively, temporary boilers can be rented for the duration of construction and piped into
existing low pressure steam header.
Existing process boilers shall be prepared to support process steam requirements. Existing process
boiler feed water system shall be replaced in kind. During feed water system replacement, process steam
boilers will not be functional.
Existing abandoned hot water storage tanks shall be removed to make way for new gas fired domestic
hot water heaters.
SECTION 11: Proposed Schedule of Work & Project Costs
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PROPOSED SCHEDULE OF WORK & PROJECT COSTS
FORECAST OF APPROXIMATE SCHEDULE
Upon certification of the study document and when project funding is available and approved for spending, we
anticipate that the schedule outlined below would provide for a reasonable timeframe for project completion.
Design Documents – 44 weeks
Planning Programming – 12 weeks
o 10 weeks design
o 2 weeks review/approval
Schematic Design – 8 weeks
o 6 weeks design
o 2 weeks review/approval
Design Development – 12 weeks
o 10 weeks design
o 2 weeks review/approval
Construction Documents – 12 weeks
o 10 weeks design
o 2 weeks review/approval
Bidding/Award – 12 weeks
Bidding – 8 weeks
Award – 4 weeks
Construction Duration (with phasing) – 104 weeks (24 months)
ANTICIPATED PROJECT COSTS
A conceptual construction cost estimate for the preferred alternative scope of work was prepared by VJ Associates;
refer to Appendix H for comprehensive construction cost estimate. The estimated construction cost is currently
$20,300,000.00.